Fence Regulations in Ankeny, IA (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Ankeny, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Ankeny caps front-yard fences at 42 inches, or 48 inches for chain link, and limits side and rear yard fences to six feet solid or eight feet if the top two feet is 70 percent open, under Ankeny Code of Ordinances Section 191.14(2). Corner-lot fences above those front-yard heights must meet building setback rules.
Ankeny Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsAnkeny Code of Ordinances § 191.14(2)
2. Residential fences shall be permitted in any yard in residential zoning districts or residential use areas. Front and side yards adjacent to a street in residential zone districts shall be considered front yards and fences in front yards shall not exceed 48 inches in height if chain link and 42 inches in height for all other fence materials. On corner lots fences that exceed 48 inches in hei...
Fence Permit Requirements
Ankeny requires a building permit before anyone erects, alters, or relocates a fence, wall, or other vision barrier, under Ankeny Code of Ordinances Section 191.14(1). The City Council sets the permit fee by resolution, and Planning and Building reviews the application against the chapter's height and placement standards.
Ankeny Fence Permit Requirement
Some RestrictionsAnkeny Code of Ordinances § 191.14(1)
1. Permit Required. No person shall erect, alter or relocate any fence, wall, or other vision barrier without first obtaining a building permit, the fee for which shall be established by resolution of the City Council.
Material Restrictions
Ankeny bans barbed wire and electric fences within city limits under Code of Ordinances § 41.08, unless the City Council gives written consent. The only automatic exception covers agricultural land of ten acres or more. Any fence still needs a Planning and Building permit under the zoning code.
Ankeny Bars Barbed Wire and Electric Fences
Significant RestrictionsAnkeny Code of Ordinances § 41.08
It is unlawful for a person to use barbed wire or electric fences to enclose land within the City limits without the written consent of the Council unless such land consists of ten (10) acres or more and is used as agricultural land.