Fence Regulations in Boise, ID (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Boise, Idaho, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Boise caps residential fence height at 6 feet on side/rear lines and limits front-yard fences to 36-48 inches under the Development Code.
Boise Fence Height Rules
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 11-04-09.10.B(1)
In Residential and Mixed-Use zoning districts, maximum fence heights are as follows: Solid fences to a height of 36 inches or open-vision fences to height of 48 inches may be built within the front yard setback... Fences to a height of 72 inches may be built within the setbacks along the rear and side property lines.
Fence Permit Requirements
Boise doesn't require a building permit for fences up to 7 feet tall, but Development Code height and material rules still apply, and taller fences or right-of-way fences need city or ACHD approval.
Boise Fence Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 9-1A-14
105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following: Building: ... 2. Fences not exceeding seven (7) feet (2134 mm) in height. ... 4. Retaining walls not exceeding four (4) feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Boise requires a fence to sit entirely on the builder's own property unless the neighbor agrees to something else.
Boise Boundary Fence Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 11-04-09.10.B(2)(a)
The property owner installing the fence shall locate the fence entirely on their property or within an easement unless agreements are made with the abutting property owners. (b) If a fence is to be erected upon and within public right-of- way, approval shall also be obtained from the ACHD. (c) In Mixed-Use zoning districts, concrete and masonry walls of any height an...
Retaining Walls
Boise caps retaining walls in setbacks at 36 or 72 inches, and a building permit kicks in above 4 feet of exposed height.
Boise Retaining Wall Height Limits
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 11-04-09.10.C
C. Retaining Walls: The following shall apply to retaining walls located within setbacks: (1) Individual retaining walls shall not exceed 36 inches in height when located within a front setback or clear vision triangle. (2) Individual retaining walls shall not exceed 72 inches in height when located within any other setback. (3) Walls shall be separated by a minimum distance of five feet in ord...
Material Restrictions
Boise bans electric fences citywide and restricts barbed wire, chain-link, and low-quality materials under its development code.
Boise Fence Material Rules
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 11-04-09.10.A
Permitted Fencing and Screening Materials: (1) In Historic Districts, a Certificate of Appropriateness is required for fences made with any material other than wood or wrought iron. (2) Electric fences are prohibited. (3) Barbed wire is permitted only in the I-1 and I-2 zoning districts unless the Planning Director determines that it is necessary for public safety... (6) Chain-link fencing shal...
Looking for Ada County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boise city rules.
Fence Regulations in Ada County →