Ada County, ID Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard max height
- 6 feet above grade
- Front yard (≤1 ac in AOI)
- 3 feet
- Public facility max
- 12 feet
- Over 6 ft
- Requires variance
- Code section
- Ada County 8-3-6
Summary
In unincorporated Ada County, fences may sit inside or outside any setback but cannot exceed six feet above grade on a perimeter boundary or required setback without a variance. On lots one acre or less inside an area of impact, front-yard fences are capped at three feet.
Fences, walls, latticework, or screens: 1. Are allowed within or outside of any setback, and 2. Shall not exceed a height of six feet (6') above grade on the perimeter boundary or within any required setback area, unless approved by a variance by the Board or as part of an approved use.
Full Breakdown
Ada County Code Title 8 (Zoning), Section 8-3-6(E) allows fences, walls, latticework, or screens within or outside any setback but limits them to six feet (6') above grade on the perimeter boundary or in a required setback unless a variance is approved. Public-facility fences may exceed six feet up to twelve feet (12'). Section 8-3-6(D) further restricts fences to three feet (3') in the required front-yard plane on properties one acre or less located within a city area of impact. These county standards govern unincorporated land only; fences inside Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, or Star follow city code.
Violations & Fines
Fences over six feet without a variance are a zoning violation enforced by Ada County Development Services; corrective compliance or removal may be ordered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall a fence can I build in unincorporated Ada County?
Why is my front-yard fence limited to three feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ada County
How Ada County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Ada County to another location·View the Idaho fence regulations overview
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