Manitou Springs, CO Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Rear/side yard max
- 6 ft.
- Front yard max
- 42 in.
- Outdoor storage screening max
- 8 ft. (with plan approval)
- Vision clearance triangle max
- 3 ft.
- Height measured from
- finished grade at construction
Summary
Manitou Springs allows fences up to 6 feet in a rear or side yard but caps front-yard fencing at 42 inches. Fences screening an approved outdoor storage area may reach 8 feet, and any fence inside a corner-lot vision clearance triangle is limited to 3 feet so drivers and pedestrians can see cross traffic.
A.The height of a fence shall be measured from the top of the fence to the finished grade of the lot directly under the fence as such grade existed at the time the fence was constructed. A fence includes all elements, projections, and appendages of the structure. Any berm, wall, or similar feature that is constructed for the purpose of increasing the height of a fence shall be considered to be a part of the fence.B.Fences shall be:1.No more than six (6) feet high within any rear or side yard;2.No more than forty-two (42) inches high within the area constituting the front yard between the front building line and front property line; ... 3.No more than eight (8) feet high when utilized in association with an approved development plan to screen an outdoor storage area from public view that is located within any rear or side yard;4.No more than three (3) feet high within a vision clearance triangle as defined in Section 18.02.1.4.
Full Breakdown
2. Height itself is measured from the top of the fence to the finished grade of the lot directly beneath it, as that grade existed when the fence was built, and the definition of a fence is written broadly: it includes all elements, projections, and appendages, and any berm or wall built to increase the fence's effective height counts as part of the fence for measurement purposes. The base standards are a 6-foot maximum in any rear or side yard and a 42-inch maximum in the front yard, measured in the area between the front building line and the front property line.
An 8-foot fence is allowed only with an approved development plan and only to screen an outdoor storage area located in a rear or side yard from public view, not as a general option. 4 controls: within that triangle, formed by measuring 25 feet along the property lines from the street intersection, no fence, wall, hedge, or other obstruction may exceed 3 feet, tighter than the front-yard 42-inch limit, specifically to protect sightlines for vehicles and pedestrians at the corner.
Violations & Fines
Fences that exceed the applicable height limit are enforced through the Neighborhood Services Officer's complaint and inspection process under Section 18.06.4.29, which can result in a written order to remove or lower the fence. A conviction is punishable under Section 1.01.100 with a fine up to $2,650, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, and each day the oversized fence remains counts as a separate offense; the city may also pursue civil abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a backyard fence be in Manitou Springs?
Is there a lower height limit for front-yard fences?
Can a fence be taller than 6 feet for any reason?
Are corner-lot fences restricted differently?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manitou Springs
How Manitou Springs compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Manitou Springs to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
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Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in El Paso County handle height limits.