Phoenix, AZ Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

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.