Boise, ID Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Electric fences
- Prohibited citywide
- Barbed wire
- I-1/I-2 zones only, 72" min height
- Chain-link
- Not valid as screening material
- Historic Districts
- Wood or wrought iron only, or COA required
Summary
Boise bans electric fences citywide and restricts barbed wire, chain-link, and low-quality materials under its development code.
Permitted Fencing and Screening Materials: (1) In Historic Districts, a Certificate of Appropriateness is required for fences made with any material other than wood or wrought iron. (2) Electric fences are prohibited. (3) Barbed wire is permitted only in the I-1 and I-2 zoning districts unless the Planning Director determines that it is necessary for public safety... (6) Chain-link fencing shall not qualify as a screening material.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code § 11-04-09.10.A prohibits electric fences outright and limits barbed wire to I-1 and I-2 industrial zones (or where the Planning Director finds it necessary for safety), and only as the top strand of a security fence at least 72 inches above grade. Chain-link fencing does not count as a screening material where screening is required. Fences built from boxes, sheet metal scraps, old or decayed wood, or broken masonry blocks are prohibited outright. In Historic Districts, any fence material other than wood or wrought iron needs a Certificate of Appropriateness before installation.
Violations & Fines
Nonconforming fence materials are a zoning code violation handled through Planning and Development Services; unpermitted Historic District fence materials can trigger a stop-work order and require removal or a retroactive Certificate of Appropriateness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up an electric fence in Boise?
Is barbed wire allowed on a Boise fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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