Salt Lake City fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the Salt Lake City? Yes. Salt Lake City requires a permit before you build a fence.
buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for Salt Lake City (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Side and rear yards
- 6 ft at or behind the primary facade source
- Front (street) yard
- 4 ft in the front yard (front lot line to primary facade) source
- Corner lots
- No separate height; no solid fence over 3 ft within 30 ft of the intersection curb lines; see-through fences at least 50% open up to 4 ft in sight triangles source
- Distance from lot line
- Fences must sit entirely within the owner's property lines. Passenger-vehicle gates need a 17'6" setback from the back of the sidewalk or lot line. source
- Not allowed
- Scrap lumber and scrap metal; materials not made for fencing (metal roofing, corrugated/sheet metal, tarps, plywood). Barbed wire and razor wire restricted by district. source
- How to apply
- Online portal source
How to file for a fence permit in the Salt Lake City
Steps based on slc.gov — apply for a permit
- Register for the City's Citizen Access Portal (also www.slcpermits.com) and apply for a Building permit for the fence.
- Upload a site plan and any required plans; minor plan reviews such as fences go in the quick-turnaround queue.
- Pay fees (fees are based on project value) online through Teller or at the Cashier's Office, 451 S State St #225.
- If your home is in a historic district, contact SLC Planning before applying.
- Call 811 before digging.
- Paying
- Online through Teller or in person at the Cashier's Office, City Hall 451 S State St #225
- Review time
- 1-3 business days for minor plan reviews such as fences
Who to contact
Building Services - Permits Office
- Phone
- 801-535-6000
- Hours
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Address
- 451 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact from slc.gov — faqs
What to submit
- Site plan (per Pre-Screening Login Submission Checklist)
Other rules to know
- The FAQ states: "The installation of a fence requires a permit from Building Services."
- Per 21A.40.120 (as amended by Ord. 79-2024; check codified version), a permit is required for fences of 6 ft or less that are not concrete/masonry and need no structural review; fences over 6 ft and any concrete, masonry or IBC-regulated fence need a permit, fee and plans showing reinforcement and foundation details.
- The Apply page lists the Permits Office phone as 801-535-7968; the FAQ lists 801-535-6000.
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 Salt Lake City, UT?
Yes. Salt Lake City requires a permit before you build a fence. Per 21A.40.120 (as amended by Ord. 79-2024; check codified version), a permit is required for fences of 6 ft or less that are not concrete/masonry and need no structural review; fences over 6 ft and any concrete, masonry or IBC-regulated fence need a permit, fee and plans showing reinforcement and foundation details.
How tall can a fence be in the Salt Lake City?
Side and rear yards: 6 ft at or behind the primary facade. Front (street) yard: 4 ft in the front yard (front lot line to primary facade). Corner lots: No separate height; no solid fence over 3 ft within 30 ft of the intersection curb lines; see-through fences at least 50% open up to 4 ft in sight triangles.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the Salt Lake City?
Fences must sit entirely within the owner's property lines. Passenger-vehicle gates need a 17'6" setback from the back of the sidewalk or lot line.
How do I apply for a fence permit in the Salt Lake City?
Register for the City's Citizen Access Portal (also www.slcpermits.com) and apply for a Building permit for the fence. Upload a site plan and any required plans; minor plan reviews such as fences go in the quick-turnaround queue. Pay fees (fees are based on project value) online through Teller or at the Cashier's Office, 451 S State St #225. If your home is in a historic district, contact SLC Planning before applying. Call 811 before digging. buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for Salt Lake City (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the Salt Lake City?
Building Services - Permits Office. Phone 801-535-6000.
Sources
Summarized from Salt Lake City's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Salt Lake City Code 21A.40.120 Regulation of Fences, Walls and Hedges
Work for Salt Lake City? 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.