Fence Regulations in Council Bluffs, IA (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Council Bluffs, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fence Permit Requirements
The City of Council Bluffs charges a fence permit fee under CBMC 2.08.040's Schedule of Fees: $30 for a fence in a residential district and $50 for a fence in a non-residential district, rising to a valuation-based fee once a non-residential fence exceeds 1,500 linear feet. Electric fences carry their own separate permit fee.
Council Bluffs Fence Permit Fees
Light RestrictionsCouncil Bluffs Municipal Code §§ 2.08.040, 13.16.485
Fees (One- and Two-Family Dwellings and accessory structures only): ... Fence in Non-Residential District 50.00 Fence in Non-Residential District that exceeds 1,500 linear feet Based on valuation Fence in Residential District 30.00 ... Permit Fees. ... All electric fences shall require a permit fee as established in CBMC 2.08 "Schedule of Fees."
Retaining Walls
The City of Council Bluffs exempts a retaining wall from needing a building permit only if it stands four feet or less, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and does not support a surcharge or impound flammable liquids, under Council Bluffs Municipal Code Section 13.01.301. Any taller or load-bearing wall needs a permit priced by valuation under Section 2.08.040.
Council Bluffs Retaining Wall Permits
Some RestrictionsCouncil Bluffs Municipal Code §§ 2.08.040, 13.01.301
Retaining wall Based on valuation ... Permits Required. Except as specified in CBMC 13.01.301 Paragraph B, no building, structure or building service equipment regulated by this code and the technical codes shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate, appropriate permit for each building, structure or building s...
Material Restrictions
The City of Council Bluffs allows electrically charged fencing under CBMC 13.16.485 but only if it meets IEC electrification and voltage limits, carries bilingual high-voltage warning signage, and gives the fire department a disconnect route. The section also requires zoning compliance for where such fencing may go.
Council Bluffs Electric Fence Construction Standards
Some RestrictionsCouncil Bluffs Municipal Code § 13.16.485
13.16.485 Fence, Electrically Charged The construction and use of electrically charged fencing shall be installed within the corporate limits of the City of Council Bluffs as provided in this chapter, subject to the following: Installation. Unless otherwise specified herein, electrically charged fences shall be constructed or installed in conformance with the specifications set forth in the Int...