Maricopa County, AZ Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard max
- 8 ft, 80% see-through above 3'6"
- Side/rear max
- 8 feet outside required front yard
- Corner sight triangle
- 2 ft max within 25-ft triangle
- Permit threshold
- Building permit required over 6 feet
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Maricopa County only
Summary
In unincorporated Maricopa County, front-yard fences cap at 8 feet with 80% see-through required above 3 feet 6 inches, side and rear fences also max out at 8 feet, and corner sight triangles limit obstructions to 2 feet high.
Fences, walls, or retaining walls, or any combination thereof located within the required front yard shall be a maximum height of eight feet as measured from finished grade, except that any height above 3'-6" up to a maximum height of eight (8) feet shall be permitted at an 80% transparency calculated by taking the area of the empty space between internal members divided by the outer dimensions of the fence/wall.
Full Breakdown
Maricopa County's zoning ordinance sets fence and wall height by location on the lot. In the required front yard, fences and walls max out at 8 feet, but anything taller than 3 feet 6 inches must be at least 80% see-through (MCZO § 811.5.4.1). Outside the front yard, side and rear fences also cap at 8 feet (§ 811.5.4.2). Near street and alley corners, nothing over 2 feet may stand within the 25-foot sight visibility triangle (§ 811.4.1). A building permit is required for any fence or wall over 6 feet (§ 811.5.3.9), and razor wire or electrification is barred below 8 feet (§ 811.5.2). Applies only in unincorporated Maricopa County.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit, exceeding height limits, or blocking a sight triangle is a class 2 misdemeanor under § 1203.1, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; civil penalties under § 1203.2 can also apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front-yard fence be in unincorporated Maricopa County?
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
What about fences near street corners?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maricopa County
How Maricopa County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona fence regulations overview
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