7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Adams County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Adams County, the maximum height of fencing, walls, and screening is 96 inches (8 feet). Screen fences on residentially used property are capped at 42 inches in the front, and clear-sight regulations must be maintained.
Adams County DSR 4-06-01-02-01-01
The maximum height of fencing, walls, and screening shall be ninety-six (96) inches, which may include four (4) strands of barbed wire forming the top eighteen (18) inches. All fences and walls more than forty-two (42) inches in height require a building permit.
In unincorporated Adams County, any fence or wall more than 42 inches tall requires a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet need engineered plans. Fences 42 inches or shorter generally do not require a permit.
Adams County DSR 4-06-01-02-01-01
All fences and walls more than forty-two (42) inches in height require a building permit.
Adams County does not set a separate 'shared fence' cost-sharing rule; fences on the property line are a civil matter between neighbors. The county does prohibit any fence that obstructs traffic sight lines along a public right-of-way.
Adams County DSR Ch. 4 (Obstruction of Views Along a Public Right-of-Way)
The erection of any fence, tree, shrub, hedge, or any object, which obstructs the view of traffic, authorized traffic control devices, or otherwise constitutes a hazard to drivers or pedestrians is prohibited.
In unincorporated Adams County, any retaining wall over 4 feet high must be designed by a professional engineer as a condition of the building permit. Walls over 36 inches may be required to have a guard rail up to 5 feet.
Adams County DSR 4-06-01-02-01-03
Any retaining wall over four (4) feet in height shall require preparation by a professional engineer as a condition for a building permit, except where waived by the Director of Community and Economic Development.
Adams County requires screen fencing to conceal outdoor storage, a 6-foot minimum screen fence for garbage/storage areas, and a pool barrier at least 48 inches high enclosing swimming pools. Fences must be maintained in good condition.
Adams County DSR Ch. 4 (Swimming Pool Fencing)
Swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a fence not less than forty-eight (48) inches in height with no opening large enough to permit passage.
Adams County permits barbed wire fencing and allows up to four strands of barbed wire in the top 18 inches of a fence. External boundary electric fences require a Conditional Use Permit. Masonry screen walls must be brick or stone.
Adams County DSR 4-06-01-02-01-02
Fencing consisting of only barbed wire is permitted.
Common fence materials, wood, masonry, chain link, vinyl, and barbed wire, are all permitted in unincorporated Adams County. Screen fences must be sight-obscuring; where 90% opacity is required, vinyl or PVC inserts satisfy it.
Adams County DSR Ch. 4 (Fencing Material)
Land under development may be surrounded by a chain link fence or solid wood fence.
2 cities in Adams County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Adams County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Adams County Ordinance Hub →