Adams County, CO Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed wire
- Permitted; 4 strands in top 18 in.
- Barbed-wire-only fence
- Permitted
- Electric boundary fence
- Conditional Use Permit required
- Masonry walls
- Must be brick or stone
- Chain-link screen inserts
- 90% opacity minimum
Summary
Adams County permits barbed wire fencing and allows up to four strands of barbed wire in the top 18 inches of a fence. External boundary electric fences require a Conditional Use Permit. Masonry screen walls must be brick or stone.
Fencing consisting of only barbed wire is permitted.
Full Breakdown
Adams County DSR 4-06-01-02-01-01 allows the top 18 inches of a fence to include four strands of barbed wire, and DSR 4-06-01-02-01-02 states fencing consisting of only barbed wire is permitted (reflecting the county's agricultural character). An external boundary electric fence requires a Conditional Use Permit. Masonry screen walls must be constructed of brick or stone that fully conceals the contents inside. Land under development may be enclosed by a chain-link or solid wood fence. Where screen fencing is required and an existing chain-link fence is reused, PVC/vinyl inserts achieving at least 90% opacity must be installed.
Violations & Fines
Using prohibited materials, installing an electric boundary fence without a CUP, or failing to meet opacity/screening material rules are zoning violations subject to enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is barbed wire allowed on fences in unincorporated Adams County?
Can I install an electric fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
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