How Westminster Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide

Westminster maintains 101 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Westminster falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Colorado has no shared fence cost statute. Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. No equivalent to California’s Good Neighbor Fence Act.

Key details: Cost Sharing: No state requirement. Boundary: Agree with neighbor. Written Agreement: Recommended. HOA: May dictate fence type.

Civil dispute - no city enforcement for cost-sharing. Property line encroachments: survey and civil remedy. HOA violations per CC&Rs.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Westminster gives residents more flexibility on neighbor fence rules.

Retaining Walls

Westminster requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.

Key details: Permit Free: Up to 4 feet typically. Engineering: Required over 4 feet. Setbacks: Apply near property lines. Drainage: Must be addressed.

Unpermitted walls: stop-work order, required engineering review, potential demolition. Fines $200 to $1,000.

Permit Requirements

Standard fences under 6 to 8 feet typically don’t require permits in Westminster. Taller and masonry fences may need building permits.

Key details: Under 8 ft: Usually no permit. Over 8 ft: Permit required. Masonry: Permit likely required. HOA: Separate approval needed.

Unpermitted fence: stop-work order. Retroactive permit with penalty. May require modification.

Height Limits

Westminster limits residential fences: typically 6 feet in rear/side, 4 feet in front yard. Corner lots have visibility requirements.

Key details: Front Yard: 4 feet typical. Rear/Side: 6 feet typical. Taller: Variance required. HOA: May be stricter.

Code compliance notice. Modify or remove non-compliant fence. Fines if not corrected.

Pool Barriers

Westminster requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Key details: Min Height: 48 to 60 inches. Gates: Self-closing, self-latching. Openings: Less than 4 inches. Enforcement: Inspection at permit.

Non-compliant barriers: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500. Pool use prohibited until barriers meet code. Liability exposure for accidents.

This is one of the stricter rules in Westminster's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Material Restrictions

Westminster regulates fence materials by zone. Wood, vinyl, wrought iron, and chain-link common. HOAs frequently impose stricter material requirements.

Key details: Approved: Wood, vinyl, wrought iron. Chain-Link: May be restricted front. Barbed Wire: Residential prohibited. HOA: Often stricter.

Non-compliant materials: code compliance notice. May require replacement. HOA fines per CC&Rs.

The Bottom Line

Westminster'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 Westminster is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Westminster 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.