Do I Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Utah?
Quick Answer
Sometimes — many fences need only zoning/setback approval; a building permit kicks in mainly for fences over 7 feet or with structural elements.
Utah-specific rules
Adopted code: 2021 IRC, adopted statewide under Utah Code § 15A-2-103 (in force through June 30, 2026; the IRC edition does not change on July 1, 2026). Fences fall under the IRC's general permit-exemption provisions for minor site work, but Utah's statewide amendments (Title 15A, Chapter 3) do not restate a specific height threshold for fence permit exemptions — confirm the exemption threshold and any height, material, or pool-barrier rules with your local building department before building.
Sources: Utah State Construction and Fire Codes Act (Title 15A)
General Rule
Practice varies by city. The building code (IRC R105.2) exempts fences up to 7 feet tall from a building permit, and many jurisdictions follow that — requiring only that your fence comply with zoning rules for height, setback, and materials. Other cities do require a low-cost permit ($25-$50) for any new fence. Fences over 7 feet, and fences with structural elements like masonry columns or retaining walls, always need a building permit. Either way, zoning compliance is mandatory even when a permit isn't — so confirm your city's rule before you build.
Height Restrictions
In most residential zones: front yard fences are limited to 4 feet, side and rear yard fences are allowed up to 6 feet. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions near intersections. Fences over 6 feet may require a variance or special approval. Confirm the specific thresholds with your city.
Common Gotchas
The most common fence permit issues: building on or over the property line (get a survey first), blocking a drainage easement, installing prohibited materials in residential zones (barbed wire, electric), and exceeding height limits in the front yard. Call 811 before digging post holes to locate underground utilities.
HOA Rules
Many subdivisions have HOA covenants that are stricter than city code — requiring specific materials, colors, or styles. HOA approval is separate from the city permit. Get both before building.
Bottom Line
Check your city first — you may need only zoning approval, or a low-cost ($25-$50) permit. Confirm height and setback rules before breaking ground; it's cheap insurance against having to tear down a non-compliant fence.
Permit fees by city in Utah
Verified from each city’s published fee schedule. Where a city has no separate fee listed for this project, open the city page for the current requirements and amount.
| City | Permit fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bountiful | $25 flat feeVerified | Fence Permit → |
| Draper | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| Eagle Mountain | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| Herriman | $77Verified | Fence Permit → |
| Layton | Valuation-based per building permit fee table (see residential building permit fees)Verified | Fence Permit → |
| Lehi | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| Logan | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| Millcreek | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| Ogden | No costVerified | Fence Permit → |
| Orem | None — a standard fence does not require a building permit in Orem, so no building permit fee appliesVerified | Fence Permit → |
| Provo | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| Riverton | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| Salt Lake City | $46Verified | Fence Permit → |
| South Jordan | None — South Jordan's adopted Fee Schedule lists no separate fence permit feeVerified | Fence Permit → |
| Spanish Fork | No fee, unless the fence permit is required under the Building Code (in which case the standard valuation-based Building Permit fee applies)Verified | Fence Permit → |
| St. George | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| Taylorsville | $60.00Verified | Fence Permit → |
| Unincorporated Cache County | $200Verified | Fence Permit → |
| Unincorporated Davis County | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| Unincorporated Salt Lake County | Valuation-based; fence valuation = $20 per lineal foot (any type), applied to standard building permit fee table (minimum $70)Verified | Fence Permit → |
| Unincorporated Utah County | $101.00Verified | Fence Permit → |
| Unincorporated Washington County | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| Unincorporated Weber County | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |
| West Jordan | Assessed on project valuation using West Jordan's building permit fee (base fee plus rate by valuation), per the FY2026 Consolidated Fee ScheduleVerified | Fence Permit → |
| West Valley City | Permitted under the general building permit — see city page | Residential Building Permit → |