Colorado Springs, CO Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence-on-wall measure
- Fence material only, excludes retaining wall
- Street-facing opaque wall/fence
- 3 ft in landscape setback
- Taller retaining wall
- Manager approval + plantings
- Grade alteration
- Prohibited to gain height
- Code Section
- UDC 7.4.910B.7; 7.6.204B; 7.4.905
Summary
Colorado Springs allows fences atop retaining walls so long as the fence material alone (excluding the wall) stays within the permitted fence height, and opaque walls and fences visible from a street are limited to 3 feet in the landscape setback.
B. Fence Height Fence height is measured from the top of the fence, including fence poles, posts, and finials, to the existing grade on both sides of the fence, in accordance with the following:
1. If the height of the two (2) sides varies, then the larger of the two (2) measurements shall be used in determining the height of the fence.
2. Fences may be located adjacent to or on top of retaining walls so long as the height of the fence material, excluding the retaining wall, complies with the height standards in Section 7.4.910 (Fences and Walls).
3. The existing grade of the fence area shall not be altered to artificially comply with these regulations.
4. An additional twelve (12) inches of height is permitted for fence posts, poles, and finials spaced at least eight (8) feet from each other.
Full Breakdown
2 both provide that fences may be located adjacent to or on top of retaining walls provided the height of the fence material, excluding the retaining wall, does not exceed the maximum permitted height of a permitted fence in that location. 3). 905 limits opaque portions of fences and walls visible from a public or private street to three (3) feet above existing grade at the base, unless otherwise provided; the Manager may allow a retaining wall higher than three feet where required by special grading conditions, provided the wall is visually softened by plantings of trees or shrubs and utility operation and maintenance are accommodated.
Opaque walls and fences higher than three feet must be located outside the required landscaped setback unless the Manager determines an in-setback location is necessary for the wall or fence to serve its intended purpose. Walls and fences must complement the site's architecture and be sufficiently low or open to permit views for security and safety.
Violations & Fines
A fence-and-wall combination that exceeds the allowed fence height for the location, or an over-height opaque retaining wall placed in a required landscaped setback without Manager approval, is a zoning violation that Code Enforcement can require to be lowered, relocated, or softened with plantings. Artificially raising grade to gain height is expressly prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a fence on top of my retaining wall?
How tall can a street-facing wall be?
Can I raise the dirt to make my fence taller?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
Compare Colorado Springs to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
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