Bonner County, ID Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Bonner County requires a building location permit under section 11-101 for any structure erected, placed or enlarged in unincorporated Bonner County, and the term "structure" is defined in section 11-219. That definition lists exceptions, and the last group carries fences. The text says the exceptions below are subject to the land use standards in Title 12, but they are not subject to the setback standards specified in title 12 chapter 4. Item O in that group is fences not over eight feet (8') in height measured at grade. Item P covers retaining walls not over four feet in height measured at grade. Section 11-103 states that Title 11 does not apply to the structures listed as exceptions.

The code defines a fence in section 11-206 as an enclosure or barrier made of wood, iron, wire, plastic or other materials used as a boundary or means of protection or confinement. A fence over eight feet in height is outside the exception, so it needs a building location permit from the Bonner County Planning Department. That application follows section 11-105: a site plan showing the location of the structure and distances to each property line and environmental features such as wetlands, shorelines and slope, a recorded deed and a description of the intended use. The Board of County Commissioners sets the filing fee by resolution under section 11-108, and filing fees are nonrefundable.

Exemption from the permit does not mean exemption from other rules. Section 11-103 says exceptions from permit requirements do not authorize work in violation of the Code or any other county, state or federal law. Section 12-420 E allows fences, walls and hedges in any required yard unless otherwise restricted by Title 12, and section 12-712 prohibits fences or walls taller than thirty six inches within forty feet of the shoreline except perpendicular fences along property lines. Section 12-420 I keeps corner lot sight lines clear. In regulated floodplains, Title 14 separately addresses fences that have the potential to block the passage of floodwaters.