Coeur d'Alene, ID Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Section 17.06.815 of the Coeur d'Alene Municipal Code lets fences, walls and hedges stand in required yards under stated limits. The permit triggers depend on height and use. For residential uses in all zoning districts, the base allowance is six feet (6'). Going up to ten feet (10') requires a special use permit under the procedures in Section 17.09.205, and only where the abutting property is used for a commercial or manufacturing activity or where the residential property abuts an interstate freeway.

Nonresidential uses in residential zoning districts follow the same pattern: six feet (6') is the base, and ten feet (10') requires a special use permit under Section 17.09.205 where the abutting property is used for residential uses. The same permit route applies to nonresidential uses in nonresidential districts where a fence, wall or hedge on a rear or side property line abuts a residential use, which otherwise caps at six feet (6').

Tennis courts and other game areas outside the buildable area are handled separately. A fence over six feet (6') enclosing one can be permitted under the Section 17.09.205 special use permit procedure, and it must be wire mesh capable of admitting at least ninety percent (90%) of light as measured on a reputable light meter.

Building code review comes in at the same six foot line: all fences and walls greater than six feet (6') in height shall conform to the currently adopted building code and other applicable provisions of the code. Swimming pool enclosures under Section 17.06.810C must follow the building code as adopted. Height is measured from the top of the fence at its highest point to the finished grade adjacent to it, and a mound counts toward the total under Section 17.06.810B.