Fence Regulations in Scottsdale, AZ (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for Scottsdale, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Scottsdale's Zoning Ordinance establishes fence height limits based on yard location. Front yards allow a maximum of 3 feet (with exceptions up to 6 feet). Side and rear yards allow up to 8 feet. Height is measured from the inside of the enclosure.
Scottsdale Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Block walls and masonry fences typically require building permits in Scottsdale. Wood fences under 6 feet may be exempt. Pool barriers must meet ARS §36-1681.
Scottsdale Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Scottsdale's Zoning Ordinance regulates fences on property lines. Fences up to 6 feet are generally permitted on side and rear property lines. The height is measured from the inside of the enclosure. Disputes over shared fences are addressed under Arizona common law and ARS §3-1424 for agricultural partition fences.
Scottsdale Fence Neighbor Regulations
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Scottsdale requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall). In the ESLO overlay, retaining walls are subject to additional design standards to protect the natural desert environment. All retaining walls must be designed to handle the specific soil and drainage conditions of the Sonoran Desert.
Scottsdale Retaining Wall Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsPool Barriers
Pool barriers in Scottsdale must comply with Arizona's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (ARS §36-1681), which requires a minimum 5-foot barrier around all residential pools. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching from the pool side. Scottsdale enforces these requirements through the building permit process and code enforcement.
Scottsdale Pool Barrier and Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsA.R.S. § 36-1681(A)-(B)
36-1681 . Pool enclosures; requirements; exceptions; enforcement A. A swimming pool, or other contained body of water that contains water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point and that is wider than eight feet at any point and is intended for swimming, shall be protected by an enclosure surrounding the pool area, as provided in this section. B. A swimming pool or other contained body of...
Material Restrictions
Scottsdale regulates fence materials through its Zoning Ordinance and design guidelines. Block and masonry walls are the predominant fencing material in the Scottsdale area due to privacy, heat, and security concerns. Chain link, barbed wire, and razor wire are restricted or prohibited in most residential and commercial areas.
Scottsdale Fence Material Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Scottsdale city rules.
Fence Regulations in Maricopa County →