Boulder County, CO Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Fence over 6 feet tall
- Floodplain trigger
- Any height needs FDP
- Engineered plans
- May be required over 6 feet
- Issuing office
- Community Planning & Permitting
- Floodplain permit
- Transportation Department FDP
Summary
A building permit is required to build a fence over 6 feet high in unincorporated Boulder County, and for a fence of any height inside a 100-year floodplain. Over-6-foot fences must meet zoning setbacks and may need engineered footing plans.
Fences over 6 feet in height require a building permit for construction, and must meet setback requirements for the zoning district in which they are located. Fences over 6 feet may require plans for the footings and foundation that are prepared and stamped by a professional engineer.
Full Breakdown
Under Boulder County's P/28 Fence Requirements, fences taller than 6 feet require a building permit and must meet the setback requirements for the parcel's zoning district. Fences over 6 feet may require footing and foundation plans prepared and stamped by a professional engineer. Regardless of height, any proposed fence in a 100-year floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit (FDP) from the Boulder County Transportation Department. Retaining walls are not considered fences and follow separate structural (International Building Code) standards. All work applies only to the unincorporated county; residents in Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, or other municipalities must consult their city.
Violations & Fines
Constructing an over-6-foot or floodplain fence without the required permit is a code violation; the county may require removal, retroactive permitting, and impose enforcement penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues a floodplain fence permit?
Do fences over 6 feet need engineering?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boulder County
Compare Boulder County to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.