City of Boise fence rules
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Boise? No. The City of Boise 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 Boise's rules before you build. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- No (typical residential fence) source
- Side and rear yards
- 72 in source
- Front (street) yard
- 36 in solid or 48 in open-vision in the front setback source
- Corner lots
- 36 in in the clear vision triangle source
- How to apply
- In person source
How to build within the rules in the City of Boise
Steps based on cityofboise.org — residential construction
- Keep the fence within the front, side and rear height limits; ask Planning (208-608-7100) about setbacks.
- If the fence will be over 7 ft, apply for a building permit.
- Call 811 before digging.
Who to contact
- Phone
- 208-608-7100
- Hours
- Mon-Wed 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Thu 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri by appointment
- Address
- 150 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702
Contact from cityofboise.org — landscaping fencing walls and screening
Other rules to know
- A building permit is required only for a fence more than 7 ft high.
- Fences in public right-of-way also need ACHD approval; a fence must be built entirely on the owner's property.
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 Boise, ID?
No. The City of Boise 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 Boise?
Side and rear yards: 72 in. Front (street) yard: 36 in solid or 48 in open-vision in the front setback. Corner lots: 36 in in the clear vision triangle.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Boise?
Planning and Development Services. Phone 208-608-7100.
Sources
Summarized from the City of Boise's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Boise City Code 11-07-05.03(B) (Ord. 12-19)
Work for the City of Boise? 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.