Fence Regulations in Scottsdale, AZ (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Scottsdale, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In Scottsdale's R1-190 single-family district, walls, fences and hedges can rise 8 feet by right along the property line or in the side and rear yards, up to 12 feet if set back 60 feet from the side or rear line, but only 3 feet in the front yard or required front setback. Corner lots carry an added sight-distance rule.
Scottsdale Fence Height Limits (R1-190)
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances § 5.014(G)
G.Walls, fences and landscaping. Walls, fences and hedges up to eight (8) feet in height are allowed on the property line or within the required side and rear yard. Walls, fences and hedges up to twelve (12) feet in height are allowed subject to a sixty-foot setback from the side and rear property line. Walls, fences and hedges up to three (3) feet in height are allowed on the front property li...
Fence Permit Requirements
Scottsdale only exempts fences from a building permit if they stand 3 feet or less. Under City Code § 31-5, amending IBC Section 105.2, any fence taller than 3 feet (0.9144m) falls outside the exemption list and needs a building permit before construction.
Scottsdale Fence Permit Exemption
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances § 31-5
105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following: Building: ... 2.Fences not over 3 feet (0.9144m) high.
Retaining Walls
Scottsdale exempts retaining walls from a building permit only if they are 3 feet or less and do not redirect stormwater, support a surcharge, or hold Class I, II or IIIA liquids. City Code § 31-5 spells out those three conditions that strip the exemption regardless of height.
Scottsdale Retaining Wall Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances § 31-5
105.2 Work exempt from permit. ... Permits shall not be required for the following: Building: ... 4.Retaining walls that are not over 3 feet (0.9144m) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless the retaining wall (a) redirects stormwater runoff, (b) supports a surcharge or (c) impounds Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
Material Restrictions
Scottsdale outlaws barbed wire, razor wire, razor ribbon, concertina wire and electrified fencing on residential land citywide under Sec. 18-14(a). The only exception is livestock fencing on rural residential lifestyle land that meets Arizona Game and Fish wildlife-compatible fencing guidelines and stays within the city's normal fence height limits.
Scottsdale Barbed and Electrified Fence Ban
Heavy RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances § 18-14
(a)The use as a fence or wall, either in whole or part, of barbed wire, razor wire, razor ribbon, concertina wire, electrified fencing, or similar features is prohibited on all residential land throughout the city.(b)Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section and unless otherwise prohibited by law, barbed wire and electrified fencing used to control livestock that complies...
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Scottsdale city rules.
Fence Regulations in Maricopa County →