Fence Regulations in Denver, CO (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Denver, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Denver caps residential fence height at 4 feet within 75% of a home's street-facing façade width along the primary street, and 6 feet everywhere else on the lot, under the Denver Zoning Code.
Denver Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code § 10.5.5.2.B.2.a
2. Maximum Height a. The maximum height of a fence or wall when forward of at least 75% of the total width of the Primary Street-facing Façades of all Primary Structures shall be 4 feet.
Fence Permit Requirements
Denver fences and walls need no permit if they stay within the standard height limits, but exceeding the maximum by up to 2 feet requires a Zoning Administrator permit under strict review criteria, and more than 2 feet over requires a formal variance.
Denver Fence Height Exception Requires Permit
Light RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code § 10.5.5.1.C
The Zoning Administrator may grant a permit for fences and walls that exceed the maximum height according to Section 10.5.5.2, Specific Maximum Heights, by no more than 2 feet, according to Section 12.4.1, Zoning Permit Review, and subject to compliance with the following review criteria: 1. The fence or wall is necessary to provide security, privacy, or protection from traffic impacts such as...
Retaining Walls
Denver caps retaining walls at 4 feet inside the Primary Street Setback but allows any height elsewhere on the zone lot under the Denver Zoning Code.
Denver Retaining Wall Height Limits
Some RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code § 10.5.6.2
A. Retaining Walls may be built to any height in any area of the zone lot other than in the Primary Street Setback. B. The maximum height of a retaining wall when located in the Primary Street Setback is 4 feet. C. Retaining walls located in the Primary Street Setback shall be separated from other retaining walls within the same Zone Lot by 4 feet as measured from face-of-wall to face-of-wall...
Material Restrictions
Denver regulates fence materials through the Denver Zoning Code. Residential areas allow wood, vinyl, composite, ornamental metal, and masonry. Chain-link is restricted in front yards of single-unit zones. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential districts.
Denver Fence Material Regulations
Some RestrictionsC.R.S. § 35-46-101 (Lawful Fence - Definitions)
35-46-101. Definitions. As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Lawful fence" is a well-constructed three barbed wire fence with substantial posts set at a distance of approximately twenty feet apart, and sufficient to turn ordinary horses and cattle, with all gates equally as good as the fence, or any other fence of like efficiency. Railroad right-of-w...