Kirkwood, MO Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Under § 5-36, no fence may be constructed or reconstructed in Kirkwood without first filing an application with the Building Commissioner and obtaining a permit. The application must state the fence's height, type and construction materials and include a site plan showing the fence's location relative to the property lines and the adjoining street, curb, sidewalk or house, though the section specifically does not require that plan to come from a licensed surveyor. Permit fees run through the Chapter 5 building fee schedule the same as other construction permits.

Section 5-37 defines a fence broadly as any structure serving as an enclosure, wall or barrier built of posts, supports, boards, wires, stakes, rails, masonry or stone, so decorative masonry walls and retaining structures used as boundary barriers fall under the permit requirement alongside wood and chain-link fencing. Fences already approved through a separate site plan review, special use permit or other Planning and Zoning Commission procedure are exempt from needing a further § 5-36 permit under § 5-42(b). A property owner who disagrees with the Building Commissioner's decision can appeal to the Board of Adjustment under § 5-45 within 30 days, paying the fee set in § 5-109, and the Board can grant a variance on a showing of undue hardship tied to lot shape, size or an historic restoration.