Fence Regulations in Adams County, CO (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Adams County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
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 CO Fence Height Limits (Unincorporated)
Some RestrictionsAdams 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.
Fence Permit Requirements
In unincorporated Adams County, a residential fence up to 7 feet tall does not need a building permit at all, but the Building Code still requires a standard permit for anything taller and for any fence built to enclose a swimming pool. The 7-foot threshold is Adams County's own amendment; the base 2024 International Building Code exempts only fences up to 42 inches.
Fence Building Permit Rules in Adams County
Some RestrictionsAdams County Building Code § 105.2(2) (Ord. No. 12)
105.2 Work exempt from Permit Buildings: 2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over 42 inches (1067 mm) 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
Neighbor Fence Rules
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 CO Fence Neighbor & Boundary Rules
Some RestrictionsAdams 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.
Retaining Walls
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 CO Retaining Wall Rules
Some RestrictionsAdams 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.
Material Restrictions
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 CO Fence Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsAdams County DSR 4-06-01-02-01-02
Fencing consisting of only barbed wire is permitted.
Fence Regulations by City in Adams County
2 cities in Adams County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Adams County ordinances
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