How tall can a fence or wall be?
Fences are defined as a wood structure of posts and boards, pickets, or rails. Fences do not require permits if they are less than 6 feet in height. If you are located on a corner lot, please refer to the Fence Sight Triangle & Traffic View Area Handout for information on additional height limits. Fences between 6 to 8 feet in height require written agreement from neighboring properties and a fence height exception approval from the Community Development Department. Building permits are required for fences higher than 6 feet. Walls are more substantial structures of masonry and typically require continuous footings and rebar. Permits are required for walls, except for retaining walls which are 4’-0″ or less in height from the bottom of the footing and do not support a surcharge.
