Salt Lake City, UT Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Nearly all fences, any height
- Fee basis
- Construction cost/valuation
- Extra plan detail
- Required over 6 ft or masonry
- Overlay districts
- Foothills, Historic, FR-1–FR-3 add rules
Summary
Salt Lake City requires a building permit before building almost any fence, with a fee tied to construction cost or valuation.
A building permit shall be obtained prior to construction of any fence that does not exceed six feet (6') in height and is not made of concrete or masonry or does not require structural review under the Uniform Building Code regulations. The permit is to ensure compliance with adopted regulations.
2. A building permit and fee are required for fences and walls which exceed six feet (6') in height and all fences or walls of any height that are constructed under the International Building Code. The permit is to ensure compliance with all Zoning Ordinance standards and requirements (location, height, types of materials) as well as to ensure the structural integrity of the pilasters and foundation system which will be verified by plan review and site inspection.
3. The application for a permit must include plans identifying the location and height of the proposed fence or wall. If the fence or wall is constructed of masonry or concrete of any height or exceeds six feet (6') in height, construction details showing horizontal and vertical reinforcement and foundation details shall be shown on the plans.
4. The building permit fee for a fence will be a general permit fee based on construction costs or valuation of the work as shown in the consolidated fee schedule.
5. Construction of any fence in the following districts shall also comply with the additional fencing regulations found in the following subsections of this title:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 40-26, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Any fence up to 6 feet tall that isn't concrete or masonry still needs a building permit under Salt Lake City Code § 21A.40.120(C)(1) to confirm it meets zoning rules. Fences or walls over 6 feet, and any masonry or concrete fence regardless of height, need a permit with plan review covering structural reinforcement and foundation details. Extra rules apply in the Foothills Protection District, Historic Preservation Overlay, and Foothill Residential FR-1 through FR-3 districts.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required permit exposes the fence to a stop-work order and removal or retroactive permitting through the Building Services Division, plus permit fees assessed after the fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a short wood fence need a permit in Salt Lake City?
What triggers extra structural review?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake City
Compare Salt Lake City to another location·View the Utah fence regulations overview
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Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Salt Lake County handle fence permit requirements.