This guide is intended to guide you through the permitting process for building a fence on your property. Fence construction requirements depend on the location of the property, location of the fence, height and construction materials. Fences should not be constructed in the adjacent property or in the public right-of-way.
See also: Zoning Guide for Fences and Walls (PDF)
For information on retaining walls, visit the Project Guide for Retaining Walls.
Before you start your project, you need to know what regulations apply to your property and what factors may impact your project. You'll need to consider:
Historic Landmark Status
Any project that involves changes to the exterior of landmark structures or properties in historic landmark districts must be reviewed by Landmark Preservation staff before you begin. The appropriate zoning, building, curb cut, or revocable permits needed for the project will be issued only after design review has been completed and the project has been approved. To determine your property’s landmark status, use the DevelopDENVER tool to the right. Then, visit the design review web page for more information.
Zoning
Zoning establishes standards for things such as the size and location of structures and acceptable uses for your property. Before you begin construction, you need to be sure your project is in compliance with the Denver Zoning Code. Use the DevelopDENVER tool to the right to determine the zoning for your property. In the results, click on your zone district for descriptions and definitions; then, click on your neighborhood context for more information on zoning in your area.
Parkways
Any project that encroaches on a designated parkway setback will need to undergo parkways review. Certain parkways and boulevards are specifically designated by ordinance to preserve their unique character. Each designated parkway has its own right-of-way width and regulations of setback distance of structures and signs. If you are unsure if you live along a designated parkway or for your parkway’s specific regulations, enter your address into the DevelopDENVER tool at right. Look under “Designated Parkways” on the results panel on the left. If a specific parkway appears, click on the “Details” button for information on setbacks.
Building Code
Denver Building Code provides minimum standards for building in order to safeguard public safety, health and welfare. The permitting and inspection process ensures that all home projects meet these standards and that all dwellings are safe and habitable at the time of construction.
Location of Existing Sewer Lines
If you plan to build a new structure over or within 2 feet of the existing sanitary sewer, you will need to replace the sanitary sewer with approved materials. A plumbing contractor can help you locate the sewer lines on your property. Visit Wastewater Sewer Use and Drainage Permit (SUDP) for application, guidelines and other specific information. Contact the Department of Public Works at 303-446-3759 for additional details.
Location of Utilities
When designing your project, you need to know where utilities are located. You cannot build over existing utilities. Before you dig, contact the Utility Notification Center of Colorado at 1-800-922-1987 or 811 to mark underground utilities for your project.
Listed in the order they must be obtained. All permits must be in hand and at site before work may begin.
If your property is not a landmark and is not in a designated historic district or designated parkway, the following rules apply.
What to submit and how:
For all single-family/duplex projects, visit e-permits and click "Enter E-Permits." In e-permits, go to Development Services > Apply for a Permit. Select the Building Log application. Under Project Scope, select New Accessory Structure, select fence and/or retaining wall, and follow the prompts to complete your application and submit the following:
For all other projects and over-height fences or walls, submit the following to zoning.review@denvergov.org:
Estimate Fees
Zoning and Building permit fees are based on valuation of the work to be completed including the labor and materials. For Wastewater, there is a $100 application fee plus appropriate fees. The fees change yearly. View the permit fee schedules to estimate the fees required for your project. There are no fees for Landmark or Parkways review.
NOTE: When a Same Day Review is required for the #1R Permit, a "walk through" submittal fee of 20% of the valuation of the work to be completed with a $100.00 minimum will be charged in addition to building permit fees.
Pay Fees
Fees can be paid in person at our cashier on the 2nd floor of the Wellington Webb Building. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card, cash and personal checks at our counter.
To pay by mail, send a check to:
Development Services
Wellington Webb Municipal Building
201 W. Colfax Ave., 2nd Floor
Denver, Colorado 80202
All approved construction set of documents, permits and inspector signature card are to be available on site upon request.
Typical inspections during construction of a fence that includes masonry (if a building permit is required) include the following:
NOTE: The inspections listed above may vary depending on the complexity of your project. You will be advised as to which inspections your project requires through the permitting process and by your inspector.
Height: 4' or shorter
Materials: all non-masonry
Location: front yard or backyard
Lot type: interior lot
If the property is located along a designated parkway, a zoning permit is required. Parkways review is also required on parkway properties if the project encroaches on the designated parkway setback.
If the property is located in a landmark district or designated an historic structure, landmark approval and a zoning permit are required.
If neither 1 nor 2, no permits are required but you must follow the zoning regulations for allowed materials. Please see the Denver Zoning Code Article 10.5.5.
If the property is located in a floodplain, a wastewater permit may be required.
Height: over 4'
Materials: partial masonry
Location: front yard
Lot type: Interior lot
If the property is located along a designated parkway and the project encroaches on the designated parkway setback, parkways review is required.
If the property is located in a landmark district or is a designated historic structure, landmark approval is required.
An over-height fence zoning permit with information notice (ZPIN) is required. Please see the Denver Zoning Code Article 10.5.5 for additional regulations. For example, the fence may not be higher than 6’ and it must be 50% or more “open.”
A wastewater permit is required.
A building permit is required, if the masonry section of the fence measures more than 4 feet from the footer (not from grade).
All masonry material is not allowed for this type of fence.
Height: over 6’
Materials: all non-masonry
Location: backyard
Lot type: interior lot
If the property is located along a designated parkway and the project encroaches on the designated parkway setback, parkways review is required.
If the property is located in a landmark district or is a designated historic structure, landmark approval is required.
An over-height fence zoning permit with information notice (ZPIN) is required. Please see the Denver Zoning Code Article 10.5.5 for additional regulations. For example, the fence may not be higher than 8’.
If the property is located in a floodplain, a wastewater permit may be required.
Height: 4' or shorter
Materials: All or partial masonry
Location: front yard or backyard
Lot type: interior lot
If the property is located along a designated parkway, a zoning permit is required. Parkways review is also required on parkway properties if the project encroaches on the designated parkway setback
If the property is located in a landmark district or designated an historic structure, landmark approval and a zoning permit are required.
If neither 1 nor 2, a zoning permit is not required but you must follow the zoning regulations for allowed materials. See the Denver Zoning Code Article 10.5.5.
If the masonry measures more than 4 feet in height from the footer (not from grade), a building permit is required.
A wastewater permit is required.
Height: over 4', no taller than 6’
Materials: all non-masonry
Location: backyard
Lot type: interior lot
If the property is located along a designated parkway and the project encroaches on the designated parkway setback, parkways review is required.
If the property is located in a landmark district or is a designated historic structure, landmark approval is required.
A zoning permit is required.
If the property is located in a floodplain, a wastewater permit may be required.
Height: over 6’
Materials: all or part masonry
Location: backyard
Lot type: interior lot
If the property is located along a designated parkway and the project encroaches on the designated parkway setback, parkways review is required.
If the property is located in a landmark district or is a designated historic structure, landmark approval is required.
An over-height fence zoning permit with information notice (ZPIN) is required. Please see the Denver Zoning Code Article 10.5.5 for additional regulations. For example, the fence may not be higher than 8’.
A wastewater permit is required.
A building permit is required.
Height: over 4'
Materials: all non-masonry
Location: front yard
Lot type: interior lot
If the property is located along a designated parkway and the project encroaches on the designated parkway setback, parkways review is required..
If the property is located in a landmark district or is a designated historic structure, landmark approval is required
An over-height fence zoning permit with information notice (ZPIN) is required. Please see the Denver Zoning Code Article 10.5.5 for additional regulations. For example, the fence may not be higher than 6’ and it must be 50% or more “open.”
If the property is located in a floodplain, a wastewater permit may be required.
Height: over 4’, no taller than 6’
Materials: all or part masonry
Location: backyard
Lot type: interior lot
If the property is located along a designated parkway and the project encroaches on the designated parkway setback, parkways review is required.
If the property is located in a landmark district or is a designated historic structure, landmark approval is required.
A zoning permit is required.
A wastewater permit is required.
A building permit is required, if the masonry section of the fence measures more than 4 feet from the footer (not from grade).
Height: over 4’
Materials: all
Location: front yard and/or backyard
Lot type: corner
If the property is located along a designated parkway and the project encroaches on the designated parkway setback, parkways review is required.
If the property is located in a landmark district or is a designated historic structure, landmark approval is required.
Please contact zoning staff to determine if and what type of zoning permit may be required and what zoning regulations apply.
If the property is located in a floodplain, a wastewater permit may be required.
A wastewater permit is required in any location if partial or all masonry material is used.