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.

1. Landmark Certificate of Appropriateness – if the project is in a designated historic district or landmark property. Visit the Design Review web page for more information.
2. Forestry Review – if your project will impact the canopy or roots of street trees. Contact Denver Forestry by email (forestry@denvergov.org) or by phone at 720-913-0651 to evaluate your project and visit the Denver Forestry web page for additional information. Allow about 3 to 5 business working days for inspections and approval.
3. Parkways Review –  if your property is along a designated parkway and the project encroaches on the parkway setback
   You will need: A completed Parkway Exception Request form and a site plan that includes property lines, parkway setback from property line, proposed type, location and dimensions of encroachment into parkway setback, location of existing residence on property and labeled streets. To get a copy of the form and additional information, visit the Denver Parks and Recreation web page or contact parkways@denvergov.org.

• Fences should not be constructed in the adjacent property or in the public right-of-way. All retaining walls or fences must be 6 inches back from the public sidewalk, regardless of where the property line is.
• If your property is a designated landmark or historic district property, landmark design review and a zoning permit are required regardless of the height or location of the fence.
• If your property is on a designated parkway, parkways review and a zoning permit are required regardless of the height or location of the fence.
• If your property is on a floodplain or if you are digging 2 feet from the sewer line, a wastewater permit is required. To check your floodplain status, use the DevelopDENVER tool at right.
• If your fence is all or part masonry and the masonry measures more than 4 feet in height from the footer (not from grade), a building permit is required.
• Full masonry walls over 6 feet in height require commercial engineering review. (Commercial Same Day Walk Through).

If your property is not a landmark and is not in a designated historic district or designated parkway, the following rules apply.

• For front yard fences: 
  - If 4 feet or shorter, no permit is required. See Denver Zoning Code (PDF) Section 10.5.5 for zoning regulations on allowed materials.
  - If taller than 4 feet, an over-height fence permit is required; Any 4-feet linear section of an over-height fence or wall in the Primary Street setback shall be less than 50% solid over its entire area, and meet other conditions in Denver Zoning Code (PDF) Section 10.5.5 for permit to be approved.
• For back yard fences:
  - If 4 feet or shorter, no permit is required.
  - If between 4 and 6 feet, a zoning permit is required. 
  - If taller than 6 feet, an over-height fence permit required; fence must meet conditions in Denver Zoning Code (PDF) Section 10.5.5 for permit to be approved. 
  - If fence is taller than 8 feet or doesn’t meet over-height fence permit conditions, a zoning variance from Board of Adjustment is required. A building permit is also required for this height.

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:

• A site plan showing all zone lot lines, zone lot line dimensions, abutting streets/alleys, existing structures, the proposed fence wall location and height; and 
• Section and footing details for fences or walls that require a building permit. 

For all other projects and over-height fences or walls, submit the following to zoning.review@denvergov.org:

• A complete application (pages 4-5) of the Zoning Guide for Fences and Walls (PDF)
• A site plan showing all zone lot lines, zone lot line dimensions, abutting streets/alleys, existing structures, the proposed fence wall location and height; and 
• Elevations for any proposed over-height fence or wall.

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.

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:

• Footing
• Foundation Wall
• Final Inspection
• Denver Forestry

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.