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Do you need a permit for a fence?

Whether a fence needs a building permit is decided by the city or county, not by one national rule. Of the 19 large cities whose fence rule we verified, 1 requires a permit, 16 exempt smaller or simpler projects and require a permit above a limit and 2 list it as exempt from a building permit.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Fence permit rules in major cities
  2. Building permit and zoning are separate
  3. What the model code exempts (IRC R105.2)
  4. What cities charge for a fence permit
  5. Before you start
  6. Sources

Fence permit rules in major cities

Each row is the rule that applies in that city. "Depends" means the city exempts work below a limit; the limit shown is the number in the city's wording, and the conditions that go with it are on the city page.

CityPermit needed?Key limit
New York City, NYDepends on size or scope1Exempt up to this height: 6 feet1
Los Angeles, CADepends on size or scope2Exempt up to this height: 10 feet, for fences other than masonry or concrete, and not pool barriers2
Chicago, ILDepends on size or scope3Exempt up to this height: 5 feet3
Houston, TXDepends on size or scope4Exempt up to this height: 8 feet4
Phoenix, AZDepends on size or scope5Exempt up to this height: 3 feet5
San Antonio, TXDepends on size or scope6Exempt up to this height (repairs only): 6 feet7
San Diego, CADepends on size or scope8Exempt up to this height: 7 feet8
Dallas, TXDepends on size or scope9Exempt up to this height: 6 feet9
Fort Worth, TXDepends on size or scope10Exempt up to this height: 7 feet11
San Jose, CADepends on size or scope12Exempt up to this height: 7 feet, for side and rear yards; on corner lots, only sides not along the street13
Charlotte, NCUsually not14–
Columbus, OHDepends on size or scope15Exempt up to this height: 6 feet15
Indianapolis, INUsually not16–
San Francisco, CADepends on size or scope17Exempt up to this height: 6 feet17
Seattle, WADepends on size or scope18Exempt up to this height: 8 feet19
Denver, CODepends on size or scope20Exempt up to this height: 4 feet20
Oklahoma City, OKYes21–
Philadelphia, PADepends on size or scope22Exempt up to this height: 6 feet23
Austin, TXDepends on size or scope24Exempt up to this height: 7 feet25

Building permit and zoning are separate

A building permit checks how the fence is built; zoning decides where it can go and how big it can be. In New York City, Phoenix, Denver and Philadelphia, work that is exempt from a building permit can still need zoning approval:

  • New York City. Any exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…1
  • Phoenix. Fences between 3 feet and 7 feet high require a permit for City code and Zoning Ordinance requirements only.5
  • Denver. All fences over four feet tall need a zoning permit. All walls, including retaining walls, over 12 inches high need a zoning permit.20
  • Philadelphia. *Exception: Fences that are more than 50% opaque require a Zoning Permit.22

What the model code exempts (IRC R105.2)

The International Residential Code (IRC) is a model code. It is law only where a state or city adopts it, usually with changes, so the wording below shows how the model reads in published government copies, not the rule where you live.

  • 2. Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.26 As published by Bluffdale, UT.
  • 2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.27 As published by Connecticut (statewide) (2022 CSBC amendments to the 2021 IRC).

What cities charge for a fence permit

Fee lines as each city’s schedule states them, never added up into a total; how permit fees work explains valuation formulas and minimums.

CityFeeAs the schedule states it
Houston, TXFence permit for first 100 lineal feet Base Charge$73.8528
Houston, TXFence permit Base Charge plus Fee for each additional 100 lineal feet or part thereof above first 100 lineal feet$11.4128
Phoenix, AZTable A minimum - residential water heaters and fences$1 - $1,000 $98 Minimum for Residential Water Heaters and Fences*29
San Antonio, TXResidential Fence FeeResidential Fence Fee $28.7530
Fort Worth, TX1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs: 33.0831
Fort Worth, TX3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits: 16.8731
Fort Worth, TX2. Reinspection fee2. Reinspection fee: 66.1531
Columbus, OHFence (1, 2, and 3 Family)Fence (includes 2 inspections) $30032
Seattle, WASTFI (subject-to-field-inspection) permit – permit fee and plan review feePermit fee 100% of DFI; plan review fee 40% of DFI33
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $1.00 to $500.00$1.00 to $500.00 $20.00 034
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00$501.00 to $2,000.00 $35.00 034
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00$2,001.00 to $25,000.00 $35.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 50%34
Oklahoma City, OKFence permit, each (fence and retaining walls over 12" tall)Permit, each (fence and retaining walls over 12" tall) · $22.00 · $25.00 · 60-19-635
El Paso, TXBuilding Permits: building /fences$110 plus applicable technology fee36
El Paso, TXBuilding Permits: Building/electrical fence$152 plus applicable technology fee36
Las Vegas, NVFence or Wall (wood, chain link, wrought iron)58 Fence or Wall (wood, chain link, wrought iron) $82 $11437
Detroit, MISpecial permit: historical district requirement (exterior painting, fences, etc.)Permits because of historical district requirement (Exterior Painting of Building, fences, etc.) Flat $10638
Louisville, KYPartial alterations / structures other than buildings (valuation)The fee shall be $50 plus $2.50 per $1,000 of estimated cost.39
Memphis, TNResidential fence, 400 linear ft or lessRESIDENTIAL FENCE PERMIT 400 LINEAR FT OR LESS $25.0040
Baltimore, MDFences$10 for each 100 linear feet (30.38 m) or fraction of 100 linear feet (30.38 m).41
Milwaukee, WIFence constructiona. There shall be a $25 fee for the construction of fences.42
Milwaukee, WIFence processingb. There shall be a processing fee of $35 for each fence construction permit issued.42
Tucson, AZMasonry Walls$16.85 + $33.70 per 500 square feet of surface area + plan review fee at standard hourly rate, minimum ½ hour43
Tucson, AZWood and Metal Fences$28.08 + $5.62 per 100 linear feet + plan review fee at standard hourly rate, minimum ½ hour43
Fresno, CAFence or Wall (wood, chain link, wrought iron) >6 feet in height, 1st 100 l.f.>6 feet in height, 1st 100 l.f. 238.02 177.8944
Fresno, CAFence or Freestanding Wall (masonry / garden), City Standard, 1st 100 l.f.City Standard, 1st 100 l.f. 170.37 192.9244
Mesa, AZDesert Uplands Temporary Residential Fence PermitDesert Uplands Temporary Residential Fence Permit $120.00 Inspection45
Virginia Beach, VAPool fence permit$60.60 (includes 2% state levy and technology fee)46
Virginia Beach, VAFence permit (Zoning, fences/walls within 30 ft of a public right-of-way)$6147
Tulsa, OKZoning clearance permit fee, residential (Section 303.G)$75.5048
Tampa, FLPrivacy/Retaining Wall (residential)Privacy/Retaining Wall $ 475.00 $ 589.0049
Arlington, TXResidential: Fence, Residential LotFence, Residential Lot $50.00 each50
Arlington, TXResidential: Fence, Swimming Pool BarrierFence, Swimming Pool Barrier $50.0050
Austin, TXApplication Processing Fee$112.7651
Austin, TXSmall Projects Plan Review (Garage Conversions and Carport/Porch enclosures, Amnesty CO, Fences, Pools)$146.1551
Austin, TXAdditional Small Project$146.1551

Before you start

Find your city’s fence rule with the permit checker. What to check before you buy materials (city limits, limits in the rule, zoning and HOA rules) and the order of the steps are in how to get a building permit; what an exemption does not cover is in work exempt from a permit.

Sources

  1. 1 RCNY §101-14 Categories of work that may or may not require a permitCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. SEC. 91.106. PERMITS. (LAMC Ch. IX, Art. 1, Div. 1)City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Municipal Code, hosted by American Legal Publishing)Checked November 7, 2026
  3. What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? (Full List)City of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  4. Residential Fencing | Houston Permitting CenterCity of Houston, Houston Permitting Center (Houston Public Works)Checked November 7, 2026
  5. 2024 International Building Code Administrative Provisions (IBC Chapter 1), Phoenix amendmentsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Residential Fence Permit FAQCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised December 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Chapter 10 Building-Related Codes (2024 International Building-Related Codes), City Code of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentEffective May 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  8. SDMC Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 2: Building Permit ProceduresCity of San Diego, San Diego Municipal Code (docs.sandiego.gov, Office of the City Clerk)Revised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Chapter 52: Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes (City of Dallas booklet, current through April 23,…City of Dallas, Planning & Development DepartmentLast updated April 23, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Residential PermittingCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Fort Worth Administrative Building Code, Ordinance No. 25387-03-2022City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentAdopted March 8, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  12. Fences & Retaining WallsCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated April 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  13. Draft Ordinance amending Title 24 (Technical Codes) of the San José Municipal Code (Council Agenda 10/28/2025, Item…City of San José, City Council (Legistar)Published October 16, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  14. City of Charlotte Residential Permit Guidelines (PDF)City of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Planning, Design & Development)Checked November 7, 2026
  15. Fences (information sheet)City of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised April 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  16. 2016 Building Standards and Procedures of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis (Chapter 536 etc.)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 1, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  17. Fences | SF PlanningCity and County of San Francisco, Planning DepartmentLast updated May 10, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  18. Fences - Construction and InspectionsCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  19. 2021 Seattle Residential Code, Chapter 1 AdministrationCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  20. Fences and Walls - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  21. Development CenterCity of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterChecked November 7, 2026
  22. Get a Fence PermitCity of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  23. Get a Building PermitCity of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  24. Fencing Regulations | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  25. Ordinance No. 20250410-040 (2024 International Residential Code and local amendments, City Code Ch. 25-12 Art. 11)City of Austin, City CouncilEffective July 10, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  26. Exempt from permit 2023City of Bluffdale, UT, Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  27. 2022 Connecticut State Building Code (w/ Errata #1)State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services, Office of the State Building InspectorEffective October 1, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  28. City Fee ScheduleCity of Houston, Finance Department (City-Wide Fee Schedule)Effective January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  29. PDD Fee Schedule, Phoenix City Code Chapter 9, Appendix A.2City of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective January 20, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  30. FY 2027 Development Fee ScheduleCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised October 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  31. Ordinance No. 26-28781City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  32. 2026 Combined Development Related Fee ScheduleCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesPublished 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  33. 2026 Fee Subtitle and related documents (SMC Chapter 22.900)City of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsEffective January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  34. Building and Land Development Fees - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  35. Development Services Fee Changes (Fees Changing July 1, 2025)City of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterEffective July 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  36. City of El Paso FY2026-2027 Adopted Budget, FY 2027 Schedule C Departmental Fee ListCity of El Paso, Office of Management & BudgetAdopted August 18, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  37. City of Las Vegas 2020 Building User Fees (Building & Fee Table)City of Las Vegas, Department of Community Development, Building & Safety DivisionEffective July 1, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
  38. City of Detroit BSEED Fee Schedule, Effective January 1, 2024, Modified 7/18/2025City of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Revised July 18, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  39. LMCO Chapter 150.096 Promulgated Fees & Regulations, Construction Permits and Inspection Fees (Revised 2/6/2024)Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Department of Codes and Regulations, Office (Division) of Construction ReviewRevised February 6, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  40. 2022 Fee Schedule, Building Section FeesMemphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code EnforcementPublished 2022Checked November 8, 2026
  41. Section 109. Fees (Building Code)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
  42. Milwaukee Code of Ordinances ch. 200, subchapter 5 (Fees)City of Milwaukee, Department of Neighborhood ServicesRevised November 8, 2024Checked November 8, 2026
  43. Planning and Permitting Fee Schedule (Adopted Year 1 Fee Schedule, FY27)City of Tucson, Planning & Development Services Department (PDSD)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  44. City of Fresno Master Fee Schedule - Planning & Development Fees (effective 07/01/2026)City of Fresno, Planning and Development DepartmentEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  45. Schedule of Fees and Charges - Development ServicesCity of Mesa, Development Services DepartmentRevised July 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  46. Residential Building Permits | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  47. Fence and Wall BulletinCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Zoning AdministrationRevised November 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  48. Ordinance amending Title 49, Tulsa Revised Ordinances (council item 24-608, as submitted)City of Tulsa, Tulsa City CouncilPublished May 16, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  49. Miscellaneous Projects Permit Fee ScheduleCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated May 31, 2020Checked November 7, 2026
  50. City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective October 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 26-288)City of Arlington, Planning & Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  51. City of Austin Fee Schedule | Residential Building Plan Review & Inspection Permit FeesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026