Aurora's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Aurora, Colorado, there are 4 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.
Retaining Walls
In Aurora, Colorado, retaining walls over four feet must be engineered by a professional and approved by the city before construction; residential walls also face UDO height caps of 30 to 48 inches by location.
Key details: Engineer required over: 4 feet. Plan approval: before construction. Rear lot line max: 48 inches. Side/corner lot max: 30 inches. Railing required above: 30 inches.
Building an unpermitted or unengineered wall over four feet violates the building code; the city can issue a stop-work order or notice of violation, and penalties follow the general schedule in City Code § 1-13.
Height Limits
Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance caps residential front-yard fences at 42 inches and side/rear fences at six feet (eight feet along arterial or collector streets), and requires a Fence Permit for fences needing a building permit.
Key details: Front-yard height: 42 inches maximum. Side/rear height: 6 ft (8 ft on arterial/collector lots). Front-yard setback: 18 inches from sidewalk. Permit: Fence Permit under § 146-5.4.3.H. Banned materials: Barbed wire, chicken wire, sharp points.
Fences built without a required Fence Permit, exceeding the 42-inch front-yard or 6/8-foot side-rear height limits, or using prohibited materials such as barbed wire or chicken wire can be ordered brought into compliance or removed.
Fence Permit Requirements
Aurora, Colorado requires a Fence Permit under UDO Section 146-5.4.3.H only when a building permit applies to the fence; City Code exempts fences 7 feet or under, so most residential fences need no permit at all.
Key details: Permit trigger: Required only if fence needs building permit. Exempt threshold: Fences 7 ft or under (Code § 22-135). Reviewer: Chief Building Official. Approval standard: Must meet UDO § 146-4.7.9 design rules. Residential side/rear height cap: 6 ft, up to 8 ft on arterial/collector.
Building or modifying a fence over 7 feet without the required building/fence permit, or a fence of any height that violates the location, material, or design standards in UDO Section 146-4.7.9, can draw a stop-work order and code enforcement action under the City's building code.
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.
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.