Fence Regulations in Loveland, CO

If you live in Loveland or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Loveland has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Retaining Walls

Loveland, Colorado caps any single retaining wall at eight feet tall, requires taller sites to step down with five-foot terraces, and demands a natural-rock or masonry finish above three feet. Walls six feet or taller, or shorter walls close to a lot line, need a stamped design from a Colorado licensed structural engineer under UDC Section 18.04.07.11.

Key details: Governing section: UDC § 18.04.07.11. Max single-wall height: 8 feet. Terrace width if stepped: 5 feet minimum, landscaped. Finish required above: 3 feet: native rock or masonry. Engineer-stamp trigger 1: Wall 6 feet or taller.

A retaining wall built taller than eight feet without terracing, without the required native-rock or masonry finish above three feet, or without a stamped engineer's design where the six-foot or four-foot-near-property-line triggers apply, is a UDC violation. Under Chapter 18.18 the City can require a building permit before work proceeds, order inspection and removal of a non-compliant wall, and pursue Loveland Municipal Court proceedings that can carry civil or criminal fines for a documented violation.

Height Limits

Loveland caps front-yard fences at three feet if solid or four feet if limited-solid material, measured between the front property line and the house's front facade, under UDC § 18.04.07.06.D. Behind that line, side and rear fences can run up to six feet three inches in most zones, or eight feet in Employment and Industrial zones.

Key details: Solid front-yard fence: 3 ft max. Limited-solid front-yard fence: 4 ft max. Behind front facade: 6 ft 3 in max. Employment/Industrial zones: 8 ft max. Governing section: UDC § 18.04.07.06.D.

A fence built taller than the three-, four-, or six-foot-three-inch limits for its location and material is a UDC violation under § 18.18.02.01, with each day the oversized fence stands a separate offense. The Director's office may order it modified under § 18.18.02.03, and a property owner who does not comply risks a fine or up to a year in jail under § 18.18.03.02.

Material Restrictions

Loveland bans barbed wire, razor wire and electrically charged fences citywide under UDC § 18.04.07.06, with narrow Director-approved exceptions for barbed wire in commercial/industrial zones and electric fencing for livestock control. Chain-link is also barred from front yards absent a public-safety finding.

Key details: Barbed wire: Banned except DT/B/E/I/DR w/ approval. Electric fences: Banned except for livestock, w/ approval. Razor/concertina wire: Banned outright, no exception. Chain-link: Barred from front yards. Barbed wire max: 3 strands where approved.

Installing barbed wire, an electric fence, or razor or concertina wire without qualifying for one of the Director's narrow exceptions is a UDC violation under § 18.18.02.01, with each day the prohibited fence stays up counted as a separate offense. The Code Enforcement Officer can order it removed under § 18.18.02.03, and noncompliance risks a fine or up to a year's imprisonment under § 18.18.03.02.

Compared to other cities, Loveland takes a harder line on material restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Loveland'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 Loveland is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Loveland can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.