Permit Required? Required (over 4 ft)
Typical Fee Range $50–$100 Fences 4 ft or under don't need a permit
Fee Method Flat fee
Apply Online Apply at Denver Community Planning & Development →

What's Required in Denver

  • Fence Permits in Denver are regulated by Denver Community Planning & Development (CPD)
  • Denver's frost line is 42 inches — all footings must extend below this depth
  • Call Colorado 811 at least 48 hours before any digging to locate utilities
  • Permits are applied for online through Denver's e-permits (Accela) system
  • Work must be performed by licensed contractors for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
  • Historic districts may have additional design review requirements

How Tall Can a Fence Be Without a Permit in Denver?

In Denver, the number that matters is 4 feet: a fence taller than that needs a permit from the Denver Community Planning & Development, while anything at or under it can usually go up without one. That cutoff covers standard residential fences; retaining walls, pool barriers, and masonry walls typically follow their own rules, so flag those to the department separately. Even a permit-free fence still has to respect setbacks and corner sight-line rules, so check placement before you dig post holes.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Denver?

For a typical backyard fence at or under 4 feet, no — you can skip the building permit in Denver. Go taller and you'll file with the Denver Community Planning & Development, with permit fees typically in the $50–$100 range. Two cautions before you skip the paperwork: zoning rules (height caps, setbacks, corner visibility) apply to every fence, permitted or not, and HOA or deed rules stack on top of city code. When your plan sits close to the line, a quick call to the department beats rebuilding a fence later.

How to Get a Fence Permit in Denver

1

Call 811 Before You Dig

Colorado law requires calling 811 at least 48 hours before any excavation. This locates underground utilities and is required for permit compliance.

2

Create e-Permits Account

Register at Denver's e-permits portal (Accela) at denvergov.org/cpd. All permit applications are submitted online.

3

Submit Application & Plans

Upload your site plan, construction drawings, and project details. Simple projects may not require professional drawings.

4

Pay Fees & Await Review

Permit fees of $50–$100 are valuation-based. Plan review typically takes 3–10 business days for residential projects.

5

Schedule Inspections

Post permit on-site and schedule required inspections through the e-permits portal as work progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Fences over 4 feet tall require a zoning permit in Denver. Fences 4 feet or under do not need a permit.
Denver fence permit fees are valuation-based. Most residential projects fall in the $50–$100 range. Plan review adds 50% of the permit fee for projects over $2,000 in valuation.
Denver's frost line is 42 inches deep. All footings for decks, fences, additions, and new construction must extend below this depth to prevent heaving during freeze-thaw cycles. This is strictly enforced during inspections.
On record in Denver, fences over 4 feet need a permit; at or under 4 feet you generally don't need one, though zoning height caps and setbacks still apply.