Aurora's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Aurora, Colorado, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Pool Barriers

Aurora requires a minimum 5-foot barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates around all swimming pools and spas over 24 inches deep, per the adopted International Residential Code. Barriers must prevent unsupervised child access.

Key details: Barrier Height: 60 in (5 ft) min. Gate Latch Height: 54 in min. Opening Max: 4 in sphere. Code Basis: IRC Appendix G.

Non-compliant pool barriers are a strict-liability public safety violation and may lead to drainage and closure orders until fixed. Civil liability for accidents is significant.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its pool barriers requirements.

Fence Requirements

Aurora fences must be maintained in good repair, plumb, and free of hazards. The UDO regulates height, setback, sight-distance, materials, and orientation. Finished side must face outward and posts must be set below frost line (typically 36 in).

Key details: Post Depth: 36 in frost line. Finish: Smooth side outward. Maintenance: Must be kept in good repair. Code: Aurora UDO Section 146-4.7.

Fences in disrepair are a nuisance under the Aurora property maintenance code and can be ordered repaired or removed.

Retaining Walls

Aurora requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet tall (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) or any wall supporting a surcharge. Engineered drawings are required for walls over 4 feet.

Key details: Permit Threshold: Over 4 ft or with surcharge. Engineering: Required over 4 ft. Drainage: Cannot divert to neighbor. Code Basis: IRC R404, Aurora Building.

Unpermitted tall retaining walls can be ordered removed or re-engineered. Drainage that damages neighbors can create civil liability in addition to code violations.

Material Restrictions

Aurora prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences in residential districts. Approved residential materials include wood, vinyl, wrought iron, composite, and masonry. Temporary chain-link and orange plastic fencing allowed only for construction.

Key details: Prohibited: Barbed wire, razor wire, electric. Approved: Wood, vinyl, iron, masonry. Chain Link: Side and rear only. Ag or Industrial: Barbed wire allowed.

Prohibited materials must be removed. Code Enforcement issues notices requiring correction within 10 to 30 days.

Permit Requirements

Aurora does not require a permit for most residential fences under 7 feet on private property. Fences over 7 feet, fences in easements, retaining walls over 4 feet, and pool barriers all require permits from the Building Division.

Key details: Permit Not Required: Fences under 7 feet. Permit Required: Over 7 ft, in easements, pool barriers. Portal: Aurora Access. Utility Locate: Call 811 first.

Building without a required permit can double permit fees plus code enforcement action. Unpermitted fences may have to be removed.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Aurora has no spite-fence statute, but shared boundary fences fall under Colorado common law. Owners must locate fences on their own property, face the finished side outward, and cannot block required sight triangles or drainage.

Key details: Spite Fence Law: No local statute. Finished Side: Faces outward. Survey Recommended: Before construction. Mediation: CO Arapahoe Mediation Services.

Encroaching fences may have to be removed at the owner's expense. Drainage or easement violations can result in code citations and civil liability.

Height Limits

Aurora's UDO limits fence height to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards for residential zones. Corner lots have triangular sight-distance restrictions. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit.

Key details: Front Yard Max: 4 feet. Side and Rear Max: 6 feet. Sight Triangle: 3 ft at corners. Permit Threshold: Over 7 ft.

Over-height fences may require removal or modification. Fences violating the sight-triangle rule are a traffic safety violation and enforced immediately.

The Bottom Line

Aurora's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Aurora is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Aurora's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.