Mesa County, CO Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LDC § 8.03.B, Fence Materials
- Banned materials
- Razor wire, concertina wire, glass, tires
- Allowed materials
- Wire, wrought iron, wood, plastic
- Electric fencing
- Allowed only to contain large animals
- Height permit trigger
- Over 7 feet needs a building permit
- Screening fences
- Must be 95% opaque in nonresidential zones
Summary
Mesa County's Land Development Code bans specific fence materials outright rather than regulating fence type by zone. Section 8.03.B prohibits glass, bottles, cans, machinery parts, appliances, tires, razor wire and concertina wire on any visible fence anywhere in unincorporated Mesa County. Wire, wrought iron, plastic and wood are acceptable, and electric fencing is allowed only to contain large animals, not for general security or privacy.
1. Acceptable materials include wire, wrought iron, plastic, wood and other materials with a similar look.
2. Unacceptable materials that are visible include glass, bottles, cans machinery parts or appliances, tires, razor wire and concertina wire, or unconventional salvaged materials or similar materials. Electric fencing shall be allowed to contain large animals.
Full Breakdown
03 of the 2020 Land Development Code (amended April 23, 2024) governs every fence and wall in unincorporated Mesa County. Subsection A sets height measurement rules: fence height is measured from the ground the fence sits on, and grade cannot be altered just to gain height, though pillars and other supports may exceed the maximum fence height by up to one foot at intervals no closer than eight feet apart. c separately requires a building permit from the Building Department for any fence or wall, regardless of height.
2 lists the banned materials: glass, bottles, cans, machinery parts or appliances, tires, razor wire, concertina wire, and unconventional salvaged materials. Electric fencing is carved out as an exception, but only to contain large animals, meaning it cannot be used as a general residential security or privacy fence. 3 protects agricultural fencing built from field stone or woody vegetation cleared from the same property, and from antique wagon or farm-machinery wheels. 4 lets the Planning Director approve other alternative materials case by case. Nonresidential and multi-family screening fences must be at least 95 percent opaque under Subsection C, and cloth or plastic mesh cannot count as screening.
Subsection D makes every fence owner responsible for keeping the fence in good repair, and puts maintenance of fences in subdivision common areas on the homeowners' association.
Violations & Fines
Mesa County Code Compliance Services investigates fence complaints and can order removal or replacement of a fence built with a banned material, or a fence over seven feet erected without the required building permit and planning clearance. Continued noncompliance after a correction notice can be pursued as a code violation before the Building Department, with the property owner responsible for permit fees and any remediation costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up an electric fence in unincorporated Mesa County?
Is barbed wire banned for fences in Mesa County?
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Mesa County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mesa County
Compare Mesa County to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
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