Height Limits: Boulder vs Longmont
How do height limits rules compare between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO?
Boulder and Longmont have similar restriction levels.
Boulder, CO
Boulder County
Boulder limits residential fences: typically 6 feet in rear/side, 4 feet in front yard. Corner lots have visibility requirements.
View full Boulder rules →Longmont, CO
Boulder County
Under Longmont Land Development Code (LMC) Chapter 15.05.100, residential fences and walls may be a maximum of 6 feet tall, and non-residential fences/walls a maximum of 8 feet. Fences in the front yard (between the front lot line and the front facade) are limited to 42 inches and must be at least 50% transparent. Stricter limits apply within sight distance triangles at corners and driveways.
View full Longmont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder | Longmont |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 4 feet typical | - |
| Rear/Side | 6 feet typical | - |
| Taller | Variance required | - |
| HOA | May be stricter | - |
| Residential Max Height | - | 6 feet (LMC 15.05.100) |
| Non-Residential Max Height | - | 8 feet |
| Front Yard Max Height | - | 42 inches, at least 50% transparent |
| Sight Triangle (Street/Alley) | - | 30 ft along each curb; max 36 in solid or 42 in if 50% open |
| Sight Triangle (Driveway) | - | 15 ft along each side; same height rule |
| Chain-Link in Front Yard | - | Prohibited in residential zones (except temporary) |
| Corner Lot Privacy Fence Setback | - | Min. 1 ft from any sidewalk |
| Code Authority | - | Building Inspection Division, 385 Kimbark St., (303) 651-8332 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder FAQ
How tall can my fence be?
6 feet rear/side, 4 feet front yard typical. Check Boulder zoning for exact limits.
Can I go higher?
Taller fences require a variance from the city.
Longmont FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be in Longmont?
Up to 6 feet on residential property under LMC 15.05.100. Non-residential property may go to 8 feet. Front-yard fences are limited to 42 inches and must be at least 50% transparent.
Can I put a 6-foot fence on a corner lot facing the street?
Yes. On corner or reverse-corner lots, a privacy fence is allowed along the street side of the side and rear yards as long as it sits outside the right-of-way, is at least one foot back from any sidewalk, gates open inward, and it complies with the sight-distance triangle rules.
What is the sight distance triangle?
At a street/alley intersection it is a 30-foot by 30-foot triangle measured along each curb; at a street/driveway intersection it is a 15-foot by 15-foot triangle. Inside the triangle, solid fences and landscaping may not exceed 36 inches; fencing or plantings at least 50% open may go to 42 inches.
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