Manitou Springs, CO Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Chain-link fencing
- prohibited on boundary fences
- Barbed/sharp-pointed wire
- prohibited
- Electrically charged fencing
- prohibited
- Exception
- demonstrated unique security purpose
- Applies to
- any zone district, citywide
Summary
Manitou Springs bans chain-link fencing, barbed wire, other sharp-pointed materials, glare-causing materials, and electrically charged fencing as an external boundary fence in every zone district. The city allows an exception only where the property demonstrates a unique security purpose that justifies one of these otherwise prohibited materials.
A.Chain-link fencing with or without slats, barbed wire, or other sharp-pointed fencing, materials that cause glare, and electrically charged fencing shall not be used as a material for external boundary fences in any zone district except as required for demonstrated unique security purposes.
Full Breakdown
A is a flat, citywide prohibition rather than a design guideline: it applies to external boundary fences in any zone district, residential or commercial, and lists five categories of banned material or feature by name: chain-link fencing (with or without privacy slats), barbed wire, other sharp-pointed fencing, materials that cause glare, and electrically charged fencing. 2. 3, which separately require all fences to face their finished side toward the public right-of-way, common open space, or other public areas, and require ongoing maintenance such as replacing broken pickets and repainting.
Because chain-link is one of the least expensive fencing materials on the market, this section pushes both residential and commercial property owners in Manitou Springs toward wood, decorative metal, masonry, or other finished materials for any boundary fence visible from a street, sidewalk, or neighboring property, reinforcing the visual standards the city applies through its Historic District Design Guidelines and Commercial Site and Building Design Standards.
Violations & Fines
Installing a prohibited fencing material without a demonstrated unique security justification is enforced through the same Neighborhood Services Officer process as other LUDC violations under Section 18.06.4.29, including a written order to remove or replace the fence. A conviction is punishable under Section 1.01.100 with a fine up to $2,650, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, and each day the prohibited fence remains stands as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chain-link fencing allowed in Manitou Springs?
Can a property install barbed wire or electric fencing?
What counts as a valid reason to use a banned fencing material?
Does the material ban apply to commercial properties too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manitou Springs
Compare Manitou Springs to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in El Paso County handle material restrictions.