Fence Regulations in Tempe, AZ (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Tempe's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Corner lots may have additional visibility triangle requirements to ensure driver sight lines at intersections.
Tempe Fence & Wall Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Tempe generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet in height. Fences exceeding 6 feet, masonry walls, and fences with electrical components require a permit.
Tempe Fence Permit Requirements
Few RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Tempe does not require neighbor consent to build a fence on your property, but fences must be within your property lines. Shared boundary fences are governed by Arizona state law, which generally splits costs equally between benefiting property owners.
Tempe Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Tempe requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height. Walls exceeding 4 feet must be designed by a licensed engineer. Combined height of retaining wall and fence on top counts toward height limits. Retaining walls must not redirect drainage onto neighboring properties. The building code (Chapter 8) and Zoning and Development Code govern retaining wall construction.
Tempe Retaining Wall Regulations
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Tempe enforces strict pool barrier requirements aligned with Arizona state law (ARS 36-1681). All pools, hot tubs, and spas with water over 18 inches deep must be enclosed by a barrier at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches above grade. The city inspects pool barriers during construction, remodels, and property sales.
Tempe Pool Barrier Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsAriz. Rev. Stat. § 36-1681 (Pool Enclosures; Requirements)
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 water required to be enclosed by subsection A whether a belowg...
Material Restrictions
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vinyl, and chain link. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences are prohibited in residential districts. Chain link may be restricted along street frontages. Many Tempe neighborhoods have HOA-imposed material requirements.
Tempe Fence Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Fence Regulations in Maricopa County →