Pima County, AZ Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Pima County Code § 18.07.030(B)
- Barbed wire use
- Livestock/ratite/poultry containment only
- Allowed zones
- IR, RH, SR, SR-2, unsubdivided GR-1/SH/CR-1
- Scope
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
In unincorporated Pima County, barbed wire fencing is restricted in rural and residential zones to containment of livestock, ratites and poultry, not general security use.
Maintenance of Stock-Tight Fences. All livestock, ratites, and poultry kept in any rural, residential, business or industrial zone shall be kept confined by fences or other restraints of sufficient strength and durability to prevent such livestock, ratites, and poultry from roaming at large. In the IR, RH, SR, SR-2 zones and unsubdivided parcels zoned GR-1, SH and CR-1, such fences may be constructed of barbed wire. Use of barbed wire in any rural or residential zone is limited to containment of livestock, ratites, and poultry.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-64: Contains Supplement, with local legislation through Ordinance 2026-9, passed 7-28-2026, current through 7-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
County code requires livestock, ratites and poultry kept in rural, residential, business or industrial zones to be confined by fences of sufficient strength to prevent roaming. Barbed wire fencing is only allowed in the IR, RH, SR, SR-2 zones and unsubdivided GR-1, SH and CR-1 parcels, and its use in any rural or residential zone is limited strictly to containing livestock, ratites and poultry: it cannot be used as a general perimeter or security fence. This applies to the unincorporated county only, not Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita or South Tucson, which enforce their own codes.
Violations & Fines
Zoning enforcement can require removal or modification of noncompliant fencing; the property owner bears correction costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a barbed wire fence around my Pima County home for security?
Does this rule apply inside Tucson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pima County
Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.