Sandy, UT Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed wire (residential)
- Prohibited without Director approval
- Approval grounds
- Public safety, health, or welfare only
- Commercial/industrial exception
- Barbed/security wire allowed for security
- Approved materials list
- Lumber, vinyl, chainlink, wrought iron, concrete, block
- Max residential fence height
- 6 ft side/rear yard
Summary
Sandy bans barbed wire and similar intrusion-deterrent fencing on residential and vacant lots unless the Director approves it for public safety, health or welfare, including farm-animal and utility fencing. Commercial and industrial properties get a standing exception for security purposes.
Fences containing strands of barbed wire or other similar fencing designed to prevent intrusions are prohibited unless specifically approved by the Director for public safety, health, or welfare. Such fences may include fencing for farm animals and public utility stations.
Full Breakdown
Section 21-28-7 states plainly: 'Fences containing strands of barbed wire or other similar fencing designed to prevent intrusions are prohibited unless specifically approved by the Director for public safety, health, or welfare. ' Barbed wire, razor wire and electrified strands are absent from that approved list, so any property owner who wants one needs the same Director sign-off required under §21-28-7. Commercial and industrial land gets a specific carve-out instead of a permit requirement: §21-28-5 states that 'barbed wire and other security wire is allowed on fences on commercial, industrial, business, or civic property for the purpose of maintaining security and preventing property loss and vandalism,' with no separate Director approval mentioned for that zone.
Fences generally may combine with a retaining wall up to a combined 11 feet, and posts, pillars and gate posts can extend 12 inches above the maximum fence height.
Violations & Fines
Installing barbed wire, razor wire, or similar intrusion-deterrent fencing on a residential or vacant lot without the Director's public-safety, health, or welfare approval under §21-28-7 is a fencing-code violation. Because Chapter 21-28 states it 'shall prevail notwithstanding' less restrictive private covenants, an unapproved barbed-wire fence is enforceable by the City even where a subdivision's own rules are silent on the material, and noncompliant fencing can be ordered corrected or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a barbed wire fence around my house in Sandy?
Is barbed wire allowed on commercial or industrial property in Sandy?
What materials can I legally use for a residential fence in Sandy?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sandy
Compare Sandy to another location·View the Utah fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Salt Lake County handle material restrictions.