Height Limits: Northglenn vs Westminster
How do height limits rules compare between Northglenn, CO and Westminster, CO?
Northglenn has fewer restrictions than Westminster.
Northglenn, CO
Adams County
In unincorporated Adams County, any fence or wall taller than 42 inches (3.5 ft) requires a building permit through the Adams County E-Permit Center. Fences 42 inches and shorter do not require a permit. All fences - regardless of height - must be structurally sound and maintained in good repair. Outdoor storage screening requires a 6-foot opaque fence under Section 4-09-01-04 of the Adams County Development Standards and Regulations. Permits and inquiries: epermitcenter@adamscountyco.gov or 720.523.6800.
View full Northglenn rules →Westminster, CO
Adams County
Westminster limits residential fences: typically 6 feet in rear/side, 4 feet in front yard. Corner lots have visibility requirements.
View full Westminster rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Northglenn | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Threshold | Fences over 42 inches | - |
| No Permit Needed | 42 inches (3.5 ft) or less | - |
| Outdoor Storage Screen | 6 ft (Sec. 4-09-01-04) | - |
| State Fence Height Cap | None | - |
| Permit Office | Adams County E-Permit Center | - |
| Permit Contact | 720.523.6800 | - |
| Front Yard | - | 4 feet typical |
| Rear/Side | - | 6 feet typical |
| Taller | - | Variance required |
| HOA | - | May be stricter |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Northglenn FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a 6-foot privacy fence in unincorporated Adams County?
Yes. Adams County requires a permit for any fence taller than 42 inches. A typical 6-foot privacy fence in a back or side yard requires a building permit through the E-Permit Center (720.523.6800 or epermitcenter@adamscountyco.gov). Submit a site plan showing the fence location, height, materials, and setbacks from property lines.
How tall can a front-yard fence be in Adams County without a permit?
Up to 42 inches (3.5 feet) in any yard - front, side, or rear - without a permit. Anything taller needs a permit. Corner lots have sight-distance restrictions: even an exempt 42-inch fence cannot be placed where it blocks driver visibility at intersections, which is reviewed during permit and code-compliance inspections.
Westminster FAQ
How tall can my fence be?
6 feet rear/side, 4 feet front yard typical. Check Westminster zoning for exact limits.
Can I go higher?
Taller fences require a variance from the city.
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