Denver, CO Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard-height fence
- No permit required
- Up to 2 ft over max
- Zoning Administrator permit needed
- More than 2 ft over max
- Requires a Section 12.4.7 variance
- Governing provision
- Denver Zoning Code § 10.5.5.1.C
Summary
Denver fences and walls need no permit if they stay within the standard height limits, but exceeding the maximum by up to 2 feet requires a Zoning Administrator permit under strict review criteria, and more than 2 feet over requires a formal variance.
The Zoning Administrator may grant a permit for fences and walls that exceed the maximum height according to Section 10.5.5.2, Specific Maximum Heights, by no more than 2 feet, according to Section 12.4.1, Zoning Permit Review, and subject to compliance with the following review criteria:
1. The fence or wall is necessary to provide security, privacy, or protection from traffic impacts such as noise or lights.
2. The fence shall not detract from the safety or pedestrian character of the right-of-way or from the pedestrian character of the Existing Neighborhood.
3. The proposed fence or wall shall not adversely affect traffic safety, appropriate use of adjacent property, or established trees as defined in Chapter 57 of the D.R.M.C.
4. The fence shall not be located in any primary street or side street setback adjacent to a designated Parkway, unless approved by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
5. Any 4-foot linear section of an over-height fence or wall when forward of at least 75% of the total length of the Primary Street-facing facade(s) of all primary structures shall be a minimum of 50 Percent Open.
DENVER ZONING CODE June 25, 2010 | Republished February 25, 2025
| 10.5-11
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver treats fences as by-right construction up to the standard height limits in Zoning Code Section 10.5.5.2: no permit is needed for a compliant fence or wall. To go up to 2 feet above that maximum, the Zoning Administrator may issue a permit through the Section 12.4.1 Zoning Permit Review process, but only if the fence is necessary for security, privacy, or protection from traffic noise or lights, won't hurt the pedestrian character of the right-of-way or neighborhood, won't damage established trees protected under D.R.M.C. Chapter 57, and doesn't sit in a Parkway setback without Parks and Recreation sign-off. Anything more than 2 feet over the height cap must instead go through the Section 12.4.7 Variance process.
Violations & Fines
A fence built above the height cap without the required permit or variance can be cited as a zoning violation, and the Zoning Administrator can order it reduced to a conforming height or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a standard fence in Denver?
Who approves an over-height fence in Denver?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
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