Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Pima County, AZ Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Front Yard Max
3 feet
Side/Rear Max
6 feet without permit
Sight Triangle
30 inches max at intersections
Barbed Wire
Allowed in GR-1+ rural zones
Permits
Development Services: 520-724-9000

Summary

Pima County Zoning Code Chapter 18.67 regulates fences and walls in unincorporated areas. Front-yard walls max 3 feet in residential zones. Side/rear walls max 6 feet without a permit. Pima County Development Services issues fence permits for walls exceeding standard heights.

City-specific rules exist: Oro Valley, Sahuarita, and Tucson have their own height limits rules that differ from Pima County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

A. A swimming pool, or other contained body of water that contains water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point and that is wider than eight feet at any point and is intended for swimming, shall be protected by an enclosure surrounding the pool area, as provided in this section.

B. A swimming pool or other contained body of water required to be enclosed by subsection A whether a belowground or aboveground pool shall meet the following requirements:

1. Be entirely enclosed by at least a five foot wall, fence or other barrier as measured on the exterior side of the wall, fence or barrier.

2. Have no openings in the wall, fence or barrier through which a spherical object four inches in diameter can pass. The horizontal components of any wall, fence or barrier shall be spaced not less than forty-five inches apart measured vertically or shall be placed on the pool side of a wall, fence or barrier which shall not have any opening greater than one and three-quarter inches measured horizontally. Wire mesh or chain link fences shall have a maximum mesh size of one and three-quarter inches measured horizontally.

3. Gates for the enclosure shall:

(a) Be self-closing and self-latching with the latch located at least fifty-four inches above the underlying ground or on the pool side of the gate with a release mechanism at least five inches below the top of the gate and no opening greater than one-half inch within twenty-four inches of the release mechanism or be secured by a padlock or similar device which requires a key, electric opener or integral combination which can have the latch at any height.

(b) Open outward from the pool.

4. The wall, fence or barrier shall not contain openings, handholds or footholds accessible from the exterior side of the enclosure that can be used to climb the wall, fence or barrier.

5. The wall, fence or barrier shall be at least twenty inches from the water's edge.

Source: Arizona State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Pima County Development Services administers fence and wall regulations under Chapter 18.67 of the County Zoning Code. In most residential zones (CR-1 through CR-5, SR), front-yard fences and walls are limited to 3 feet in height measured from natural grade. Side-yard and rear-yard fences may reach 6 feet without a permit. Walls exceeding 6 feet require a building permit and may require engineering review. Sight-visibility triangles at street intersections and driveway entrances restrict fence height to 30 inches within the triangle area. Barbed wire is allowed on rural parcels zoned GR-1 (1 acre minimum) and larger lots for agricultural fencing. No permit required for open wire agricultural fencing on parcels 2.5 acres or more. Wrought iron, masonry block, and wood are common approved materials. Chain-link fencing is permitted but may face HOA covenants in master-planned subdivisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a 6-foot block wall?
In most residential zones a 6-foot side or rear wall does not require a permit, but masonry walls over 6 feet need a building permit and possibly engineered plans from Pima County Development Services.
Can I install barbed wire on my property?
Barbed wire is allowed on parcels zoned GR-1 (1 acre minimum) or larger rural parcels for agricultural purposes. It is generally prohibited in standard residential subdivisions.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pima County

All Pima County rules

How Pima County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona fence regulations overview

Get notified when Height Limits in Pima County, AZ changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Height Limits in Cities Across Pima County