Arvada, CO Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Under LDC Section 8-3-5-7, anyone planning to erect a fence, wall, shed, deck, or other miscellaneous structure allowed by the code must first obtain a Miscellaneous Structure Permit. The application goes to the Chief Building Official, the staff member charged under Section 8-1-1-2 with administering Arvada's adopted building codes and who personally reviews and takes final action, approve, approve with conditions, or deny, on every Miscellaneous Structure Permit. The application is first screened for completeness under Section 8-2-3-7, then evaluated against the dimensional and design standards of Section 8-3-11-3 and the City's adopted Building Code, unless the property already has an approved Variance under Section 8-3-11-2 or a Minor Modification under 8-3-11-3.

A) classifies the Miscellaneous Structure Permit as a Track 1 (staff-level) application, meaning it is decided administratively without a public hearing, and exempts mini-structures under 200 square feet from needing the permit at all. Once issued, the permit is not indefinite: Section 8-3-5-7(E) provides that it lapses and has no further effect unless the structure is erected in compliance with its terms within six months of approval, after which a fresh application is required. The permit covers a broad category of yard structures, including retaining walls, garden walls, accessory buildings, accessory structures, patios, and sheds, not just fencing.