Greeley, CO Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Over 4 feet
- Measured from
- Footing bottom to wall top
- Fence permit trigger
- Over 6 feet
- Setback wall over 6 ft
- Needs alternative compliance
Summary
In Greeley, any retaining wall over 4 feet requires a building permit: the same trigger point that applies to any fence or wall over 6 feet, with taller setback walls needing separate alternative-compliance approval.
(f)All fence or walls may be subject to additional standards of the building code, approved drainage plans for the lot, or other design and development standards. In particular, the following require a building permit when allowed by this code:(1)Any fence or wall over six feet.(2)Any retaining walls over four feet.(3)Walls in the setbacks over six feet shall only be permitted by alternative compliance in section 24-208.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 24-502(e)(1)(f) lists the fence and wall work that needs a building permit in Greeley's residential districts: any fence or wall over 6 feet, any retaining wall over 4 feet, and any wall inside a required setback taller than 6 feet, which can only be approved through the alternative compliance process in § 24-208. Title 22's building permit exemption list, § 22-78, confirms the 4-foot threshold is measured 'from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall,' and notes the exemption doesn't apply if the wall supports a surcharge.
Violations & Fines
Building an unpermitted retaining wall over 4 feet is a code infraction under § 24-104(c): fines start at $100, climb to $250 for a second violation within 24 months and $500 for a third, plus possible correction or removal orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a retaining wall in my Greeley yard?
Can I build a 7-foot fence in my backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greeley
Compare Greeley to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
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