Fence Requirements

The requirements for designing and locating fences differs depending on whether your property is located in a residential or non-residential zone district. Please contact Community Development at 970-384-6450 to confirm your setbacks and for other design questions regarding your fence. Section 070.040.050(f)(2) of the Municipal Code lists the requirements and standards for fences. The code section is summarized below. 

070.040.050(f)(2)Fence Standards.
Location and Design.

1. Fences other than those used for screening pursuant to Subsection 070.040.050(f)(1), and that are constructed within the front yard setback, along corner side lot lines, or are adjacent to a public right-of-way, shall be at least sixty (60) percent transparent.
2. Fences located in a required front yard setback shall be no more than four (4) feet in height.
3. Fences located in a required side or rear yard setback shall be no more than six (6) feet in height.
4. Fences shall conform to maximum height requirements when located within a sight distance triangle, as defined in Subsection 070.020.190(c)(5), Sight Distance Triangle Requirement.

Fencing Materials.
Fencing material shall be compatible with the overall site design, the primary building, and landscaping. Acceptable materials include but are not exclusive of the following:

1. Natural stone;
2. Brick;
3. Stucco;
4. Wood;
5. Decorative concrete block;
6. Metal, as in wrought iron;
7. Wooden picket fences for residential applications provided the pickets or vertical slats are not more than four (4) inches apart on center; and
8. Chain link provided that the chain link is vinyl coated green, brown, or black, used in conjunction with tightly spaced plant material that provides a dense screen between the fence and the adjacent public right-of-way, and is not otherwise prohibited below.

The following fencing materials are prohibited:

1. Except in the I1 and I2 zoning districts, chain link fencing when located in the front yard or in a side yard that is adjacent to and visible from a public right-of-way;
2. Corrugated or ribbed metal;
3. Corrugated plastic;
4. Plastic and vinyl; and
5. Barbed wire.

 Fencing Color.

1. Fencing shall be low reflective, and earth-toned in color.
2.  Fences constructed of metal, wrought iron, or similar material may be black.
3. Galvanized, shiny, white, off-white, or other light colors that can be observed from a distance are prohibited except that white or off-white wooden picket fences shall be permitted for residential applications. 

Code Reference as of January 2022.