How Scottsdale Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide

Scottsdale maintains 134 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Scottsdale falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Material Restrictions

Scottsdale outlaws barbed wire, razor wire, razor ribbon, concertina wire and electrified fencing on residential land citywide under Sec. 18-14(a). The only exception is livestock fencing on rural residential lifestyle land that meets Arizona Game and Fish wildlife-compatible fencing guidelines and stays within the city's normal fence height limits.

Key details: Banned materials: Barbed, razor, concertina, electrified fencing, Sec. 18-14(a). Where banned: All residential land citywide, Sec. 18-14(a). Exception: Livestock fencing on rural residential land, Sec. 18-14(b). Exception standard: AZ Game & Fish wildlife-compatible guidelines, Sec. 18-14(b). Livestock definition: Borrowed from A.R.S. § 3-1201, Sec. 18-14(c).

Installing a prohibited barbed, razor or electrified fence on residential land is enforced the same way as other Chapter 18 property maintenance violations: a notice to abate under Sec. 18-70 gives the owner at least 30 days to remove or replace the fencing before the city can abate it and lien the cost under Secs. 18-73 and 18-74. A civil citation starts at $250 for a first violation on residential land under Sec. 18-65(a), and a class one misdemeanor charge under Sec. 18-66 carries a minimum $500 fine.

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

Fence Permit Requirements

Scottsdale only exempts fences from a building permit if they stand 3 feet or less. Under City Code § 31-5, amending IBC Section 105.2, any fence taller than 3 feet (0.9144m) falls outside the exemption list and needs a building permit before construction.

Key details: Citation: Scottsdale Code § 31-5 (IBC § 105.2). Permit-exempt height: 3 feet (0.9144m) or less. Above 3 feet: Building permit required. Exemption limited to: Building permit only, not zoning rules. Adopted: 2021 IBC, Ord. No. 4550, eff. 1-1-23.

Building a fence over 3 feet without first obtaining a permit is unpermitted work under the amended IBC adopted at Chapter 31. The building official can require the owner to apply for a permit after the fact, order inspection of work already completed, or issue a stop-work order; because the exemption at § 105.2 is height-based, there is no cure except bringing the fence under the required inspection and permit process retroactively.

Retaining Walls

Scottsdale exempts retaining walls from a building permit only if they are 3 feet or less and do not redirect stormwater, support a surcharge, or hold Class I, II or IIIA liquids. City Code § 31-5 spells out those three conditions that strip the exemption regardless of height.

Key details: Citation: Scottsdale Code § 31-5 (IBC § 105.2, item 4). Exempt height: 3 feet or less, footing to top. Exemption lost if wall: Redirects stormwater, surcharge, or Class I-IIIA liquids. Above 3 feet: Permit always required. Flood hazard review: May apply under § 31-4 (IBC 104.10.1).

Constructing a retaining wall over 3 feet, or a shorter wall that redirects stormwater, carries a surcharge load, or impounds Class I, II or IIIA liquids, without first securing a City permit is unpermitted work under the amended IBC. The building official can require retroactive permitting, order structural inspection or engineering verification of the completed wall, or issue a stop-work order until the owner obtains the required permit and any flood-hazard review that applies to the site.

Height Limits

In Scottsdale's R1-190 single-family district, walls, fences and hedges can rise 8 feet by right along the property line or in the side and rear yards, up to 12 feet if set back 60 feet from the side or rear line, but only 3 feet in the front yard or required front setback. Corner lots carry an added sight-distance rule.

Key details: Side/rear fence height: 8 ft by right, § 5.014.G. Extended side/rear height: Up to 12 ft with 60-ft setback. Front yard fence height: 3 ft maximum. Height measured: From inside the enclosure. Corner lot rule: Must meet sight-distance manual, § 7.104.A.

An oversized or improperly placed wall or fence is enforced as a Zoning Ordinance violation under §§ 1.1401-1.1402, carrying a civil sanction of up to $2,500 (minimum $500 where the violation involves a non-permitted use). The Zoning Administrator, a police officer, the City Attorney, or the City Manager's designee may issue the citation under § 1.1404, and § 1.1409 makes each day the fence remains out of compliance a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Scottsdale'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 Scottsdale is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Scottsdale 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.