El Paso County, CO Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 30 inches in front setback
- Triggers rule
- fence over 25% opaque
- Corner lots
- driveway side counts as front
- Enforcement
- PCD notice, 14-day correction
Summary
In unincorporated El Paso County, a fence over 25% opaque is capped at 30 inches within the front setback; taller solid fencing must sit behind that line, per LDC § 6.2.1(E)(1).
Fences or walls more than 25% opaque shall not exceed 30 inches in height when located within any front setback area.
(2) Corner Lots. Any side of a property from which driveway access from the road is gained shall be considered a front setback area.
(3) Opaque Fence Height Limited in Sight Triangle. An opaque fence, wall or hedge shall not exceed 30 inches in height when located within a sight distance triangle or as otherwise limited by Chapter 2 of the ECM.
(F) Specific Fence Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts. The following requirements are applicable to fences within non-residential zoning districts:
(1) 7 Feet High Fences Allowed. Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height may be placed anywhere on the lot or parcel except no fence, wall or hedge shall exceed 30 inches in height when located within a sight distance triangle or as otherwise limited by Chapter 2 of the ECM.
(2) Security Fencing. Security fencing may include 3 strands of wire on top of the fence. The wires are not included in the height measurement.
(3) Subject to Parking, Landscaping, and Screening Standards. Walls and fences shall conform to the parking, landscaping, and screening standards of this Code.
(G) Noise Barrier Fencing or Walls. Noise barrier fencing or walls shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions for noise barrier fencing in Chapter 8 and the ECM. The Development Services Director
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Development Code: Supplement 3 | Drainage Criteria Manual: Publication | Engineering Criteria Manual: Supplement 3 | Ordinances: Reformat).
Full Breakdown
El Paso County's Land Development Code treats any fence, wall, or hedge over 25% solid as 'opaque.' Inside a front setback area, including the driveway side of a corner lot, opaque fencing can't rise above 30 inches. The same 30-inch cap applies within road sight-distance triangles. A taller privacy fence is legal only once it clears the front setback line, and if it tops 7 feet it must also meet the county's accessory-structure setback rules.
Violations & Fines
El Paso County PCD can issue a notice of violation giving 14 days to correct a nonconforming fence before pursuing further enforcement under LDC § 11.3.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a 6-foot solid privacy fence in my front yard in El Paso County?
Does a corner lot count both sides as front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso County
How El Paso County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare El Paso County to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.