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Boise, ID Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

No permit needed
fences 7 ft or under
Front yard solid fence max
36 inches
Rear/side fence max
72 inches
Masonry/concrete walls
Building Dept approval required
Fence in right-of-way
needs ACHD approval

Summary

Boise doesn't require a building permit for fences up to 7 feet tall, but Development Code height and material rules still apply, and taller fences or right-of-way fences need city or ACHD approval.

105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following: Building: ... 2. Fences not exceeding seven (7) feet (2134 mm) in height. ... 4. Retaining walls not exceeding four (4) feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).

Full Breakdown

Under IBC Building Code Amendment § 9-1A-14 (adopting IBC § 105.2), Boise exempts fences up to seven feet in height from a building permit. Zoning rules still apply: Boise City Code § 11-04-09.10.B caps solid front-yard fences at 36 inches and open-vision front fences at 48 inches, while rear/side fences may reach 72 inches. Concrete or masonry walls of any height, and fences over seven feet in Mixed-Use districts, require Building Department approval. Fences built in the public right-of-way also need sign-off from the Ada County Highway District (ACHD).

Violations & Fines

Violating Boise's Development Code, including unpermitted fence height or materials, is a misdemeanor under § 11-05-07, citing Boise City Code § 1-4-1: each day of a continuing violation counts as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Boise?
No building permit is required for fences up to seven feet tall under § 9-1A-14, but the fence must still meet Development Code height, material, and setback rules in § 11-04-09.10.
How tall can my front yard fence be in Boise?
Solid fences are capped at 36 inches and open-vision (slatted) fences at 48 inches within the front yard setback, per Boise City Code § 11-04-09.10.B(1)(a).
Can I build a fence on the property line or in the right-of-way?
The fence must sit entirely on your property or in an easement with the abutting owner's agreement; fences within the public right-of-way also require Ada County Highway District approval.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Boise

Height LimitsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsMaterial RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNeighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsRetaining WallsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Brush ClearanceSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingLight Restrictions

All Boise rules

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