Phoenix, AZ Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- No permit
- Fence/retaining wall 3 ft or less (no surcharge)
- Permit required
- Fence over 3 ft; retaining wall over 3 ft
- Structural calcs threshold
- Fence over 7 ft; retaining wall over 3 ft
- Code Section
- Bldg. Construction Code 105.2.2
Summary
A Phoenix building permit is not required for fences 3 feet or less in height, or retaining walls 3 feet or less without a surcharge. Fences over 3 feet (up to 7 feet) require a building permit demonstrating zoning and site-drainage compliance, and retaining walls over 3 feet always require a permit.
105.2.2 Building Permits. A building permit shall not be required for the following: Fences not over three (3) feet in height (as measured from final grade to uppermost part of fence), and retaining walls that are not over three (3) feet in height measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids. Fences not included in this exception, not over seven feet high, shall require a building permit demonstrating compliance with the zoning ordinance requirements and city code requirements for site drainage only.
Full Breakdown
Permit thresholds come from the Phoenix Building Construction Code Administrative Provisions Section 105.2.2, as set out in the Planning & Development Department's Technical Guideline 'Required Permits for Fences and Retaining Walls' (TRT/DOC/00181). No building permit is required for fences not over 3 feet (measured from final grade to the uppermost part) or retaining walls not over 3 feet (measured from top of footing to top of wall) unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids. Fences over 3 feet but not over 7 feet require a building permit demonstrating compliance with zoning and city-code site-drainage requirements. The term 'fence' covers wood, metal, masonry or concrete fences, walls, screen walls, decorative walls, landscape walls, view walls, and sound walls. Structural design calculations are not required for individual fences 7 feet or less. Combinations of retaining walls and fences always require structural calculations, and combinations exceeding 9 feet in height require zoning approval before a permit issues.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence or retaining wall that requires a permit without one is a code violation. The city may issue a stop-work order, require permit application and inspection, and pursue enforcement; unpermitted retaining walls over 3 feet or combination walls over 9 feet must obtain approval before the work can be legalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot backyard fence in Phoenix?
Does a short garden retaining wall need a permit?
When does a fence-and-retaining-wall combination need zoning approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
Compare Phoenix to another location·View the Arizona fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle fence permit requirements.