City of Fort Collins fence rules
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Fort Collins? No. The City of Fort Collins does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
At buildit.dog you can draw your fence on an aerial photo of your lot and check it against the City of Fort Collins's rules before you build. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- No (typical residential fence) source
- Side and rear yards
- 6 ft source
- Front (street) yard
- 4 ft (front yard) source
- Corner lots
- 42 in maximum in the visual clearance triangle (fences over 32 in must be split rail with at least 12 in between horizontal members) source
- Distance from lot line
- Fences must be on private property, at least 2 ft from a public sidewalk; along an alley, at least 3 ft from the lot line if the garage door is 20 ft or more back, otherwise at least 8 ft; none in access or drainage easements. source
- How to apply
- Call 970-416-2745
Still being confirmed with Fort Collins: What are the fee and filing method for a fence permit over 6 ft?
How to build within the rules in the City of Fort Collins
Steps based on fortcollins.gov — Rules for Common Projects
- Fence 6 ft or less: no building permit; follow height and setback rules above.
- Taller fence: apply through the City's Building Permits page.
- Questions: City Zoning 970-416-2745 or [email protected].
- Call 811 before digging.
Who to contact
City Zoning
- Phone
- 970-416-2745
- [email protected]
Contact from fortcollins.gov — Rules for Common Projects
Other rules to know
- No building permit for fences 6 ft or shorter; taller fences require one.
Before you dig
Call 811 before digging post holes so underground utility lines are marked. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. County parcel maps can be off by several feet; if you're not sure where the line is, a licensed land surveyor can stake it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in the City of Fort Collins, CO?
No. The City of Fort Collins does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Fort Collins?
Side and rear yards: 6 ft. Front (street) yard: 4 ft (front yard). Corner lots: 42 in maximum in the visual clearance triangle (fences over 32 in must be split rail with at least 12 in between horizontal members).
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of Fort Collins?
Fences must be on private property, at least 2 ft from a public sidewalk; along an alley, at least 3 ft from the lot line if the garage door is 20 ft or more back, otherwise at least 8 ft; none in access or drainage easements.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Fort Collins?
City Zoning. Phone 970-416-2745, email [email protected].
Sources
Summarized from the City of Fort Collins's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Work for the City of Fort Collins? Help us keep this right
If anything on this page is wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Municipal staff reports are reviewed first. Please include a link to the current ordinance, form or fee schedule if you can.