Do I Need a Permit to Build a Fence?
What the model code says
The International Residential Code (IRC) is a model code that states and cities adopt and can change. The 2015 edition, as published by Springville, Utah, exempts fences not over 7 feet high. It also says an exemption doesn't allow work that violates the code or other local laws.
Local examples show the range
These are examples only, and rules change.
- Portland, Oregon: no permit up to 7 feet, except in front setback areas or around a pool.
- Mukilteo, Washington: no permit at 6 feet or shorter, or 4 feet or shorter in the front setback. Taller than 6 feet needs a fence modification, up to 8 feet in residential zones, and over 7 feet also needs a building permit.
- Tukwila, Washington: exempt only up to 6 feet.
- Bedford, Texas: a permit for any new fence, and for repairing or replacing more than 25% of a side.
- Louisville, Colorado: fences are on its list of projects that need a permit.
What to ask
Call or check the website of your city or county building department before you start, and give them your address and a short description of the job.
- Is a permit needed for this height and location?
- Are front yard or corner lot limits different?
- Are there setback or zoning rules?
- Does a pool change the rules?
Why it's worth asking first
Portland, Oregon's 2022 permit guide says inspections catch problems early, that buyers, realtors or lenders may require unpermitted work to be corrected before closing, and that a lack of permits and inspection approvals may void insurance. Even where no permit is needed, the work generally still has to meet code and zoning rules.
Permit offices in major cities
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Houston
- Washington, DC
- Philadelphia
- Miami
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Phoenix
- San Francisco
- Riverside
- Detroit
- Seattle
- Minneapolis
- San Diego
- Tampa
- Denver
- Baltimore
- St. Louis
- Charlotte
- Orlando
- San Antonio
- Portland
Common questions
Do I need a permit to replace an old fence?
Is there one height limit for the whole country?
Related questions
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Last verified 2026-11-03
- Springville, Utah: Work Exempt From Permits (reproduces 2015 IRC Section R105) — 2015 IRC R105.2 as reproduced: fences not over 7 feet are exempt; exemption doesn't authorize violations.
- City of Portland, Oregon: Do You Need a Permit for Your Residential Project? (January 2022) — Portland: permit for a fence over seven feet; up to seven feet exempt except in front setbacks or around pools; consequences of unpermitted work.
- City of Mukilteo, Washington: Do You Need a Permit for That? — Mukilteo: no permit at 6 feet or shorter, 4 feet or shorter in front setback; over 7 feet needs a building permit.
- City of Bedford, Texas: When Is a Residential Building Permit Required? — Bedford: permit required for a new fence and for repairs or replacements over 25% per side.
- City of Tukwila, Washington: Permit Exemptions — Tukwila amended the 2021 IRC exemption to fences not over 6 feet.
- City of Louisville, Colorado: Permit Requirements — Louisville, Colorado lists fences as requiring a permit.
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.