Apply for a Fence Permit

Fence icon

A fence permit is required for all new fences and the replacement of existing fences where height, location or materials are changing (e.g., chain link to wood).

Online

Step 1.Review Required Information

  • Fence permit fees are based upon the project valuation with a minimum review fee of $20. Fees are due prior to permit issuance.
  • View Standard Residential Fence Regulations at the bottom of this page or within Section 12-3-602 of the Land Development Code (LDC).
  • View Non-Residential Fence Regulations within Section 12-3-802 of the LDC.

Step 2.Apply for Fence Permit

First time users will need a valid email address to set up an account. It takes about 5 minutes to create a new account. 

Instructions for applying for a permit/plan on the Self-Service Portal.

Application Materials:

  • Site Plan or Survey: Diagram showing the location of the fence in relation to the property line.
  • Fence/Wall Diagram Drawing: Photo or drawing of what the finished fence will look like. The diagram shall clearly note the fence/wall height, material type and color.

Apply for a Fence Permit

All contractors performing work on behalf of an owner must be licensed within the City of Centennial. To apply for a contractor license, please use the Self-Service Portal. For any questions regarding contractor licensing, please contact our Building Division.

Step 3.What to Expect

Permits are processed in approximately five business days.

Step 4.Inspections

An inspection is required upon completion for all fences more than six feet in height. Fences six feet or less in height do not require an inspection.

To schedule an inspection for a fence more than six feet in height, please use the Self-Service Portal.

Phone

If you are unsure if a fence permit is required for your specific job, contact a planner at 303-754-3308 for assistance.

Standard Residential Fence Regulations

Residential fences are required to meet the standards set forth within Section 12-3-602 of the LDC.

Non-residential fences are required to meet the standards set forth within Section 12-3-802 of the LDC.

Generally, residential fences must meet the following standards:

Maximum Height and Minimum Setbacks for Residential Fences and Garden Walls

Location Front Yard Interior Side Yard Street Side Yard Rear Yard

Maximum Height*

4 ft.

8 ft.

8 ft.

8 ft.

Minimum Setback from Property Line*

0 ft., but at least 6 in. from sidewalk, if present;
5 ft. from streets, if no sidewalk

0 ft.

0 ft., but at least 6 in. from sidewalk, if present;
5 ft. from streets, if no sidewalk

0 ft., but at least 6 in. from sidewalk, if present;
5 ft. from streets, if no sidewalk

*Fences and Garden Wall setback and placement requirements shall also follow the requirements of Section 12-11-208 of the LDC, Sight Triangle and Sight Distance Requirements.


Materials used for fences and garden walls shall be durable, and of a character commonly used in residential applications, including:

  • Wood, provided that it will be durable using a weather resistant species, split rail design, wood that is treated with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved preservatives or finished (painted or stained and sealed);
  • Ornamental wrought iron or powder-coated aluminum;
  • Vinyl;
  • Composite materials; or
  • Masonry (brick, finished concrete, split face concrete masonry units, or stone).
  • Chain link fences are permitted only in interior side yards and rear yards that are not also street yards.

Barbed wire is not permitted on residential parcels. Barbed wire cradles facing inward toward the property may only be placed on top of fences enclosing neighborhood or regional utility building.

Welded wire, agricultural fences and chicken wire fences are only allowed in the AG district and in NC district on lots where such fences exist on the effective date; or on the inside of split rail fences in interior side, street side, and/or rear yards, provided that it does not exceed the height of the fence.

The following materials are not allowed as fence or garden wall components: scrap lumber, plywood, tree branches, tree trunks, sheet metal, plastic or fiberglass sheets, barbed wire (except as provided above), spikes, nails, or other comparable sharp points, or fabric and/or mesh as a primary fence component.

The finished side of the fence shall face out toward any trail, open space, park or adjacent rights-of-way.