Adams County, CO Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Adams County regulates fences through its Development Standards and Regulations and through the adopted 2018 International Building Code/International Residential Code. The countywide threshold for a fence permit is 42 inches in height: barriers up to and including 42 inches are exempt, and anything taller requires a permit application through the E-Permit Center. Specific zone districts (R-E, R-1-A, R-1-C, etc.) may carry their own setback and corner-lot sight-triangle restrictions; check the underlying zone in Chapter 3 of the Development Standards. Section 4-09-01-04 of the Adams County Development Standards requires outdoor storage to be screened by a six-foot tall opaque fence. Fences in front yards, on corner lots, and within sight-distance triangles at intersections may be limited to lower heights to preserve traffic visibility. Adams County does not have a statewide-style 'spite fence' statute; disputes between neighbors over a fence on or near the property line are civil matters. Colorado has no state fence-height limit. Cities within Adams County (Thornton, Westminster, Brighton, Northglenn, Federal Heights, Aurora, Commerce City) each have their own fence rules - typically 4 ft front / 6 ft rear - that supersede county rules within incorporated limits.