Fence Regulations in Douglas County, CO (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Douglas County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In unincorporated Douglas County's SR Suburban Residential District, a solid fence, wall, or hedge tops out at six feet, dropping to four feet in the setback facing a street. Woven-wire or ornamental-iron fencing that stays at least 80% open can run higher with no cap, but any fence over six feet still needs a county building permit.
Fence Height Limits in Douglas County, Colorado
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution § 1-715, Subsections 2-4 (SR Suburban Residential District)
Solid fences, walls, or hedges shall not exceed six feet in height and shall not exceed four feet in height when located in the required setback from a street. Fences constructed of woven wire or ornamental iron which are a minimum of 80% open may be constructed with no height limitation; however, a building permit is required for any fence greater than six feet in height, or as required by the...
Fence Permit Requirements
In unincorporated Douglas County, a fence or wall needs a county building permit only once it passes six feet, or four feet for a retaining wall. A standard backyard privacy fence under that height can go up without Planning Division sign-off, as long as it stays out of the public right-of-way and clears the setback and visibility rules in § 1-715.
Fence and Wall Permit Rules in Douglas County
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution § 1-715, Subsections 1 and 3 (SR Suburban Residential District)
Fences, walls, or hedges shall not be erected in the public right-of-way, but shall be allowed within the setbacks, on private land. A building permit is required for any retaining wall greater than four feet in height or any fence or wall greater than six feet in height, or as required by the Building Code, as amended and adopted by Douglas County. ... Fences constructed of woven wire or ornam...
Neighbor Fence Rules
Douglas County does not force neighbors to share fence costs. Fences may not be built in the public right-of-way but are allowed within setbacks on private land, and each landowner is responsible for keeping their own fence in good condition.
Boundary and Shared-Fence Rules in Douglas County
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution 715.01 (SR District)
Fences, walls, or hedges shall not be erected in the public right-of-way, but shall be allowed within the setbacks, on private land.
Retaining Walls
A retaining wall in unincorporated Douglas County needs a county building permit once it passes four feet in height, two feet lower than the six-foot trigger for an ordinary fence or wall. § 1-715 also makes the landowner responsible for keeping any wall in sound structural condition and requires its repair or removal if it becomes a safety hazard.
Retaining Wall Height and Permit Rules in Douglas County
Some RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution § 1-715, Subsections 1 and 5 (SR Suburban Residential District)
Fences, walls, or hedges shall not be erected in the public right-of-way, but shall be allowed within the setbacks, on private land. A building permit is required for any retaining wall greater than four feet in height or any fence or wall greater than six feet in height, or as required by the Building Code, as amended and adopted by Douglas County. ... Fences, walls or hedges shall be maintain...
Material Restrictions
Douglas County's SR Suburban Residential District bans barbed wire, electrically charged fencing, concertina wire, and razor wire outright on residential lots. § 1-715(8) draws no exception for livestock or security use in the district; standard wood, vinyl, or chain-link fencing and the county's 80%-open woven-wire or ornamental-iron style remain the options available to homeowners.
Barbed Wire and Electric Fence Rules in Douglas County
Significant RestrictionsDouglas County Zoning Resolution § 1-715, Subsection 8 (SR Suburban Residential District)
Barbed, electrically charged, concertina, or razor wire is prohibited.
Fence Regulations by City in Douglas County
1 cities in Douglas County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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