PlainPermitDo I need a permit for a fence in Denver, CO?
Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source
Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: high
Fences under 4 ft need no permit (unless landmark/historic). All fences over 4 ft need a zoning permit; non-posthole fences over 4 ft and posthole fences over 8 ft also need a building permit. Max height is 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in back yards.
What changes the answer
- Under 4 ft: no permit (unless landmark/historic/parkway)
- Over 4 ft: zoning permit
- Over 4 ft (non-posthole) or over 8 ft (posthole): building permit too
- Pool/spa barrier fences: permit
Cost
Building permit fee by valuation of work: $20 for $1-$500; $35 for $501-$2,000; $35 + $8 per extra $1,000 (or fraction) up to $25,000. Plan review adds 50% above $2,000 in valuation.
Where to apply
Official sources
“All fences over four feet tall need a zoning permit. All walls, including retaining walls, over 12 inches high need a zoning permit.”
“Post-hole dug fences only need a building permit if they are taller than eight feet, but all other fence and wall types require building permits if they are over four feet tall.”
“Fences of any type not over 4 feet (1220 mm) high. Posthole-dug fences up to 8 feet (2440 mm) high, such as chain link, cedar pine, redwood, and wrought iron.”
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Other projects in Denver
- Deck permit
- Shed permit
- Water heater replacement permit
- Roof replacement permit
- Interior / bathroom remodel permit