Planning to install a new fence around your Denver property? Before you start picking out materials or measuring your yard, there’s one thing you absolutely need to understand first: permits and regulations.
We get it. Nobody gets excited about paperwork. But here’s the thing: skipping the permit process or ignoring local fence codes can lead to fines, forced removal of your fence, and serious headaches down the road. At A Straight Up Fence, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses throughout the Denver metro area navigate these requirements since 2006. And trust us, a little upfront knowledge goes a long way.
Whether you’re in Denver proper, out in Thornton or Aurora, or anywhere across the metro, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about fence permits, height restrictions, setback rules, and more. Let’s break it down so you can get your fence project started the right way.
When Do You Need a Fence Permit in Denver?
The short answer? It depends on the height, location, and purpose of your fence.
In Denver, fences shorter than 4 feet generally don’t require a permit. That’s good news if you’re just putting up a decorative border or a low garden fence. But here’s where it gets a little more complicated.
You will need a permit regardless of height if:
- Your property is in a historic district or designated as an individual landmark
- Your fence runs along a designated parkway
- You’re installing a swimming pool barrier (always requires a permit for safety reasons)
For fences over 4 feet, you’ll need to submit an application to Denver’s Community Planning and Development department. Your application should include details about height, materials, and exact placement on your property.
If you live in surrounding areas like Westminster, Arvada, or Englewood, the rules can vary slightly by municipality. It’s always smart to check with your local building department before breaking ground. Or better yet, work with a fence contractor who knows the local codes inside and out.
Denver Fence Height Restrictions
Height restrictions are probably the most common source of confusion for Denver homeowners. The rules differ depending on where the fence sits on your property.
Front Yard Fences
Front yard fences in Denver are limited to 4 feet in height. And there’s another catch: they must be more than 50% open. That means you can’t put up a solid privacy fence in your front yard. Think picket fences, wrought iron, or open rail designs.
Why the restriction? It’s mostly about maintaining sightlines for traffic safety and preserving neighborhood aesthetics. A solid 6-foot wall in your front yard would look pretty out of place and could create blind spots for drivers and pedestrians.
Side and Backyard Fences
Here’s where you have more flexibility. Side and backyard fences can go up to 6 feet tall. And unlike front yards, you can install solid fencing in your rear yard, which is great news if privacy is your main concern.
This is why cedar privacy fences are so popular throughout Denver, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and Littleton. They give you that backyard sanctuary feel while keeping kids, pets, and prying eyes where they belong.
One thing to keep in mind: corner lots can be tricky. What counts as a “front” versus “side” yard isn’t always obvious. If your property sits at an intersection, you may face additional restrictions to maintain clear sightlines. When in doubt, check your zoning or ask a knowledgeable contractor.
Approved Fence Materials and Styles
Denver allows a range of fence materials, including:
- Wood (cedar is a local favorite for privacy fences)
- Chain-link (common for commercial properties and backyard containment)
- Vinyl/composite (low maintenance and durable)
- Wrought iron (great for front yards and decorative applications)
- Board and post (popular for ranch-style properties and larger lots)
That said, not every material flies in every neighborhood. Historic districts in Denver have their own design guidelines, and you’ll need to make sure your fence materials and style comply before you get approval. This might mean avoiding certain modern materials or matching the character of surrounding historic homes.
And then there’s your HOA. Many neighborhoods throughout Northglenn, Wheat Ridge, Aurora, and other Denver suburbs have homeowners associations with their own fence requirements. These can cover everything from approved colors to specific styles. We’ll get into HOA rules more later, but the key point is this: city approval doesn’t automatically mean your HOA will sign off.
If you’re not sure what materials work best for your specific situation, talking to a local fence company can save you time and potential rework. At A Straight Up Fence, we work with everything from cedar and chain-link to custom wrought iron and automated gate systems, so we can help you find something that meets both your needs and local requirements.
Property Line and Setback Requirements
Here’s a situation nobody wants: you install a beautiful new fence, and then your neighbor tells you it’s actually on their property. Awkward. Expensive. Avoidable.
Before any fence goes in the ground, you need to know exactly where your property lines are. If you don’t have a recent survey, it’s worth getting one. The cost of a survey is nothing compared to the cost of tearing out and relocating a fence you installed in the wrong spot.
The Colorado Good Neighbor Fence Law comes into play when your fence sits directly on a shared property line. If that’s the case, you’ll generally need your neighbor’s consent before building. Open communication upfront can prevent disputes later.
Setback requirements are another consideration. Your fence may need to be positioned a certain distance from:
- Utility easements (always call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities)
- Floodplains (these areas often require additional permits)
- Street right-of-ways
- Drainage easements
In some Denver neighborhoods, especially newer developments in areas like Highlands Ranch or Centennial, there may be specific setback requirements written into the original plat. Your title documents or a quick call to the city can clarify what applies to your lot.
How to Apply for a Fence Permit in Denver
Ready to get your permit? The good news is Denver has made the process fairly straightforward through their online e-permit system.
Here’s how it works:
- Create an account on Denver’s e-permits portal
- Select “zoning permit” as your permit type
- Upload your documents, which typically include:
- A site plan showing where the fence will be located on your property
- Elevations showing fence height and design
- Footing details (for certain fence types)
- Submit for review to Community Planning and Development
The review process checks your plans against zoning codes, height restrictions, setback requirements, and any historic or landmark designations. Once approved, you may also need to schedule inspections during or after installation.
Turnaround times vary, but simple residential fence permits often get processed within a few weeks. More complex projects or those in historic districts can take longer.
If the permit process feels overwhelming, that’s totally normal. A lot of our clients throughout Thornton, Aurora, Littleton, and the broader Denver metro ask us to handle the permit side of things. It’s one less thing on your plate, and it helps ensure everything is done correctly from the start.
HOA Rules and Additional Considerations
Even if the City of Denver gives you the green light, your HOA might have other ideas.
Homeowners associations are common throughout the Denver metro, especially in planned communities across Arvada, Westminster, Englewood, and similar areas. And many of them have fence rules that go beyond what the city requires.
HOA restrictions might include:
- Approved fence styles (for example, only wrought iron in front yards)
- Color requirements (often limited to neutral tones)
- Maximum heights (sometimes lower than city limits)
- Required architectural review before installation
Our advice? Always check with your HOA before you start and get any approvals in writing. The last thing you want is to install a fence that meets city code but violates your HOA covenants. That can result in fines or even being forced to remove the fence entirely.
A few other things to keep on your radar:
- Zoning overlays: Some areas have additional zoning layers that affect what you can build
- Historic status: Individual landmark properties have stricter requirements
- Floodplain locations: If your property is in a flood zone, you’ll need additional permits and may face material or design restrictions
It’s a lot to keep track of, we know. But doing the assignments upfront saves major headaches later.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
So what happens if you skip the permit or ignore the rules? Nothing good.
Violating Denver’s fence regulations can result in:
- Fines from the city
- Orders to remove or modify your fence
- Problems when you try to sell your home (unpermitted work often shows up during inspections and can delay or derail sales)
- Neighbor disputes that escalate into legal issues
We’ve seen homeowners who tried to save time by skipping the permit process end up spending far more money fixing the problem than they would have spent doing it right in the first place. A fence that’s too tall, in the wrong location, or made from non-approved materials isn’t just a code violation. It’s a liability.
And if you ever need to file an insurance claim related to your fence, having it properly permitted and inspected can make a real difference in how that claim gets handled.
The bottom line: permits exist for a reason, and following the rules protects you as much as your neighbors.
Conclusion
Installing a fence in Denver involves more than just picking a style and hiring a contractor. Between city permits, height restrictions, property line rules, and HOA requirements, there’s a lot to navigate. But once you understand the basics, the process becomes much more manageable.
The key is to do your research early, communicate with neighbors when needed, and work with professionals who know local codes and can guide you through the permit process.
At A Straight Up Fence, we’ve been helping Denver metro homeowners and businesses with fence installation since 2006. From cedar privacy fences to wrought iron gates and everything in between, we handle projects across Denver, Thornton, Aurora, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Englewood, Westminster, Arvada, Northglenn, and Wheat Ridge. We’re licensed, insured, and happy to help you figure out exactly what permits you need and how to get them.
Ready to get started on your fence project? Give us a call for a free estimate. We’ll walk you through your options, help you choose materials that fit your style and budget, and make sure everything is done right. We look forward to helping you install a beautiful, functional fence that you’ll love for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fence permit in Denver?
In Denver, fences under 4 feet generally don’t require a permit. However, you will need a permit for fences over 4 feet, properties in historic districts, fences along designated parkways, or swimming pool barriers. Always check with Denver’s Community Planning and Development department before starting your project.
What is the maximum fence height allowed in Denver?
Denver fence height restrictions depend on location. Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet and must be more than 50% open. Side and backyard fences can be up to 6 feet tall and may be solid. Corner lots may have additional restrictions to maintain traffic sightlines.
How do I apply for a fence permit in Denver?
Apply through Denver’s online e-permit system by creating an account, selecting “zoning permit,” and uploading required documents including a site plan, fence elevations, and footing details. Simple residential permits typically process within a few weeks, while historic district projects may take longer.
What happens if I build a fence without a permit in Denver?
Building without a permit can result in city fines, orders to remove or modify your fence, complications when selling your home, and potential neighbor disputes. Unpermitted work often surfaces during property inspections and can delay or derail real estate transactions.
Can my HOA override Denver fence regulations?
Yes, your HOA can impose additional restrictions beyond city requirements, including approved styles, colors, and maximum heights. Even if Denver approves your fence, you must also get HOA approval in writing. Violating HOA covenants can result in fines or forced fence removal.
Do I need a survey before installing a fence?
While not always legally required, getting a property survey before fence installation is highly recommended. Knowing exact property lines prevents costly mistakes like building on a neighbor’s land. Under Colorado’s Good Neighbor Fence Law, fences on shared property lines require neighbor consent.