Fence Regulations in Phoenix, AZ (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Phoenix, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Phoenix requires building permits for most fences. Fences up to 6 feet require a permit demonstrating zoning compliance. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit with International Building Code compliance. Masonry/concrete fences up to 3 feet and wire fences up to 7 feet may be exempt in some cases.
Phoenix Privacy Fence Regulations
Some RestrictionsPhoenix Building Construction Code (PBCC) Section 105.2.1, Item 2 (Fences)
2. Fences not over 3 feet (914 mm) high, accessory to one and two-family dwellings and townhouses. Fences not included in this exception, not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high, shall require a building permit demonstrating compliance with the zoning ordinance requirements and city code requirements for site drainage only. Commentary: Fences over 6 feet high, shall require a building permit demonstrati...
Fence Permit Requirements
A Phoenix building permit is not required for fences 3 feet or less in height, or retaining walls 3 feet or less without a surcharge. Fences over 3 feet (up to 7 feet) require a building permit demonstrating zoning and site-drainage compliance, and retaining walls over 3 feet always require a permit.
No permit under 3 ft; permit required over 3 ft
Some RestrictionsCity of Phoenix Planning & Development Department, Technical Guideline 'Required Permits for Fences and Retaining Walls' (Phoenix Building Construction Code Administrative Provisions 105.2.2), TRT/DOC/00181, rev. 7/13
105.2.2 Building Permits. A building permit shall not be required for the following: Fences not over three (3) feet in height (as measured from final grade to uppermost part of fence), and retaining walls that are not over three (3) feet in height measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids. Fences not inc...
Retaining Walls
Phoenix requires a permit for any retaining wall over 3 feet (top of footing to top of wall), and for 3-foot-or-less walls burdened by a surcharge from a house, road, pool, or that support a fence. Structural design calculations are required for retaining walls over 3 feet, and combination wall-and-fence structures over 9 feet need zoning approval.
Retaining wall permit over 3 ft; calcs over 3 ft
Some RestrictionsCity of Phoenix Planning & Development Department, Technical Guideline 'Required Permits for Fences and Retaining Walls' (Phoenix Building Construction Code 105.2.2), TRT/DOC/00181, rev. 7/13
RETAINING WALL PERMITS REQUIRED: All retaining walls over three (3) feet in height measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall. All retaining walls three (3) feet or less in height burdened by a surcharge from a house, building, road, swimming pool or supporting a fence on the wall or within three (3) feet measured horizontally from the uphill side of the wall. RETAINING WALL PE...
Material Restrictions
Under Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 507 Tab A, chain link with plastic or metal slats, sheeting, non-decorative corrugated metal, and fencing made or topped with razor, concertina, or barbed wire may not be used where visible from public streets or adjacent residential areas. Decorative wrought iron and barrier landscaping are encouraged alternatives.
No barbed/razor wire or slatted chain link near streets
Some RestrictionsCity of Phoenix Planning & Development Department, 'Residential Fences' (Zoning Ordinance Section 507 Tab A), publication pz00278, rev. 9/16/13
Per Zoning Ordinance Section 507 Tab A: Chain link fencing with plastic or metal slats, sheeting, non-decorative corrugated metal and fencing made or topped with razor, concertina, or barbed wire shall not be used where visible from public streets or adjacent residential areas. Alternatives exist, such as spiked or decorative wrought iron, high walls, and barrier type landscaping that can provi...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Phoenix city rules.
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