Is a permit required to build a wall or fence?
A building permit is not normally required. However, the Planning Division must approve the wall or fence prior to installation. For approval, you will need a site plan of the property showing the locations of the property lines, house, garage and any other buildings such as storage shed, driveway, existing walls, fences and gates, and the location of the proposed wall or fence. The plan must also note the materials to be used, and height/length of the wall or fence. If all city requirements are met, the site plan will be approved. There is no fee for the review and no inspections are needed. The maximum height of residential walls or fences in a front yard or in the first five feet of a corner side yard is three feet. Front yard fences must be setback from the front property line (usually the edge of the sidewalk), a minimum of five (5′) feet and are subject to review by the City Design Review Board. The maximum height of walls or fences in an interior side yard is six feet. Wood, bri
