The City of Colorado Springs has adopted regulations under the Unified Development Code (UDC) that govern the construction and maintenance of fences, which include walls and retaining walls. The design, location and size standards for fences ensures safe site distance lines and minimizes negative aesthetic or visual impacts. Fences are allowed most anywhere on private property without a permit as long as certain standards are met. Any fence exceeding seven (7) feet in height is considered an accessory structure and requires a building permit issued through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department.
Fence Dimensional Standards
The UDC established certain height and location standards for fences which include:
Height Calculation
Fence height is measured from the top of the fence, including fence poles, posts, and finials, to the finished grade on both side of the fence. Some variations of this rule of measurement include:
- When the height of the two (2) sides varies, the taller of two shall be used in determining the height of the fence
- Fences located adjacent to or on top of retaining walls shall not include the height of the retaining wall.
- Existing grade around the fence shall not be altered to comply with height standards.
- If spaced at least eight (8) feet apart, fence posts, poles, and finials may be allowed and additional twelve (12) inches of height.
Location
Fence placement is critical for maintaining neighborhood character and visual aesthetic of the community. The location of fences on private property shall follow the following parameters:
- Forward of building’s front façade (i.e. located in the front yard) may not exceed four (4) feet in height; and
- Rearward of a building’s front façade (i.e. located in the side or rear yards) may be place anywhere in the required setback
Preservation Areas
Fences are NOT allowed in preservation areas unless allowed per the terms of an approved development plan. Please contact a City Planner to discuss alternatives and options in the HS-O (Hillside Overlay) district.
Should a proposed fence exceed the maximum allowed height or be located differently than described above, please contact a City Planner to discuss alternatives and options.
Fencing Materials
Permitted materials for fences include:
Fence materials that are restricted based on use type include chain-link fencing without inserts or slats, electric shock fencing, barbed wire, razor wire and temporary fencing (i.e. tarps, plastic sheeting or polypropylene).
Safety First: Sight Distance and Visibility Regulations
Fences are required to comply with all sight visibility regulations found in the Traffic Criteria Manual. Sight Visibility regulations for residential driveways can be found in Table 1, Section 4.54. To provide sight distance from driveways to both the street and sidewalk items taller than three (3) feet should not be placed within five (5) feet of the edge of driveway. This restriction extends from the edge of street to ten (10) feet behind the back of sidewalk. This restriction includes solid surface fences and large shrubs.
Call Before You Dig
Before you dig your post-holes, it is a good idea to locate your utility lines. Call *811 for a free utility locate. If you do not have your utility lines located before you dig and you happen to hit a buried utility line, you are responsible for the damage.
Additionally, fences may not block access to electric or gas meters, fire hydrants, Fire Department Connections (FDC), and other fire protection appurtenances.
Additional Information
- For questions regarding fences and zoning regulation, please contact the Development Review Enterprise at 719-385-5982.
- For questions regarding permitting, contact the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department at (719) 327-2880.
- For questions regarding sight visibility requirements, contact the City’s Traffic Engineering Division at (719) 385-5908.
- For questions on locating your property lines, consult property lines and/or contact a licensed surveyor.