Arapahoe County, CO Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- County Code
- LDC §5-2
- Barbed Wire
- Ag/industrial only
- Good Neighbor Law
- C.R.S. §35-46-112
- Finished Side
- Faces neighbor
- HOA Override
- Often stricter
Summary
Arapahoe County Land Development Code §5-2 regulates fence materials by zoning district. Wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain-link, and tubular steel are generally permitted. Barbed wire is restricted to agricultural and industrial zones. HOAs in Centennial, Aurora master-planned communities, and Cherry Hills Village commonly impose stricter material standards.
Overview of Open Range and Fence Out Concepts", see 43 Colo. Law. 29 (March 2014). 35-46-101. Definitions. As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Lawful fence" is a well-constructed three barbed wire fence with substantial posts set at a distance of approximately twenty feet apart, and sufficient to turn ordinary horses and cattle, with all gates equally as good as the fence, or any other fence of like efficiency. Railroad right-of-way fences constructed in compliance with the statute in force on the date of construction and maintained in good condition shall be considered legal fences.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Arapahoe County Land Development Code §5-2 establishes approved fence materials by zone. Residential zones (R-A, R-E, R-1) allow wood (cedar, redwood), vinyl, composite, wrought iron, tubular steel, and chain-link (though chain-link may be restricted in front yards of some subdivisions). Barbed wire is permitted only in agricultural (A-1, A-E) and industrial zones, and electric fences require agricultural zoning. The Colorado Good Neighbor Fence Law C.R.S. §35-46-112 governs cost-sharing for boundary fences between adjoining owners. In unincorporated Arapahoe County and across home-rule cities, the finished (smooth) side of the fence typically must face the neighboring property. Aurora City Code §146-1406 and Centennial Municipal Code §12-4-30 specify similar standards. HOAs in planned developments like Saddle Rock, Meridian, Tallyn's Reach (Aurora) and across Centennial/Cherry Hills Village routinely require cedar privacy fencing, split-rail, or wrought iron and prohibit chain-link outright. Cherry Hills Village has particularly strict aesthetic standards due to its semi-rural character.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant materials: code compliance notice with 30-day correction period. Failure to correct: $100 to $500 fine under county nuisance code. May require fence replacement. HOA fines per CC&Rs typically $25 to $100 per violation per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a chain-link fence in my Aurora front yard?
Is barbed wire legal on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arapahoe County
Compare Arapahoe County to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
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