Tempe, AZ Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 4-706(A) sets Tempe's baseline fence and wall heights, measured from the highest adjacent finished ground, paving or sidewalk surface within 20 feet of the fence. In the required front yard setback, including in front of a single-family home, a wall or fence tops out at 4 feet unless the owner obtains a use permit; with that use permit the height can reach 6 feet, plus an extra 2 feet for architectural features such as archways or pergolas, and the application must show that openings, transparent materials or varied height keep natural surveillance of the street intact.

Behind the front setback, in the required side and rear yards, the general maximum climbs to 10 feet, but Section 4-706(A)(3) trims that back to 8 feet specifically for single-family uses, unless a taller wall is needed to screen a service area under Section 4-706(G). Section 4-706(A)(4) folds in the Clear Vision Requirements of Section 4-702(G): a wall, fence or other visual obstruction over 2 feet tall, measured from the street curb, cannot sit inside the clear vision triangle at a street intersection or driveway entrance, though a reasonable number of trees pruned above sightline height are excepted.

Every fence and wall still needs City review, either through development plan review or approval from the Community Development Director or designee, and Section 4-706(A)(5) requires a separate building permit for any fence or wall taller than 7 feet or as otherwise required by the Building Code. Reverse-frontage lots carry their own rule: Section 4-706(B) requires an 8-foot masonry wall along the rear of a reverse frontage lot, including for single-family homes.