A couple summers back, my neighbor down in Park Hill decided to replace his old leaning fence. Looked like a weekend job—simple, right? He had the tools, a buddy helping, and plenty of ambition. Two days in, they were halfway done when a city inspector showed up and told them to stop. No permit. Wrong height. Wrong materials. $350 mistake.
If you’re thinking about building or replacing a fence in Denver, don’t make the same assumptions. Whether it’s a basic picket fence to keep the kids from wandering or a full privacy build so you don’t have to look at your neighbor’s rusted-out smoker, the rules matter.
Why This Matters Around Here
Fencing might feel like the kind of thing you can do on your own time—just a few trips to Home Depot, right? But Denver’s growing fast, and that means zoning and permitting are getting tighter, especially in older neighborhoods where property lines aren’t always clear.
Also, the soil out here shifts. If you’ve lived through a full freeze-thaw cycle, you’ve seen it. Fences that looked great in August suddenly lean like a drunk cowboy come February. So doing it right from the start isn’t just about city rules—it’s about keeping that investment from sagging six months in.
And if you’re managing a rental or investment property? One broken fence panel can turn into a dozen tenant complaints. Better to build once, build smart.
A Few Local Realities to Keep in Mind
You don’t need a permit for every fence—but you do for some. If you’re putting up a fence over 4 feet in your front yard or over 6 feet in the back, you’re probably looking at needing approval. But that’s not the only thing.
Got a corner lot? Visibility triangles come into play. Basically, if your fence blocks a driver’s view at an intersection, that’s a no-go.
Your soil also plays a role. In areas like Green Valley Ranch, the clay expands and contracts with moisture. Failing to set posts deep enough or not anchoring them in concrete? That’s a fast-track to crooked panels by next spring.
Oh, and here’s one more—underground utilities. You absolutely need to call 811 before you dig. You’d be shocked how many folks skip this and hit a line. Not only is it dangerous, it’ll cost you if you’re on the hook.
Want to Do It Right? Here’s the Real Deal
We’ve seen every DIY fence story under the sun. The best builds usually follow the same playbook:
- Know your boundary lines. Don’t assume where your yard ends. Check your plat map or hire a surveyor—especially if it’s a shared fence.
- Face it the right way. Sounds petty, but Denver requires the finished side to face outward. So the “ugly side” (posts and rails) should be inside your yard.
- Mind the slope. If your lot isn’t perfectly flat—and let’s be honest, few are—you’ve got to plan for stepped or contoured panels. Otherwise, it’ll look like a carnival ride.
- Use the right materials. Pressure-treated posts or metal post masters make a big difference. If you’re using untreated wood, it’ll rot way faster than you’d expect.
- Set posts deep. We’re talking 24 inches minimum, sometimes deeper. And use fast-setting concrete. Not gravel. Not “just dirt packed in.” That won’t hold in a Denver winter.
- Match the neighborhood. Not a rule, but smart. If everyone on your block has 6’ cedar with a flat cap, and you go with white vinyl picket, you’re going to stand out—in a bad way.
What Goes Wrong (More Often Than You Think)
People get tripped up on two things: rules and shortcuts.
Rules first—folks don’t check height limits or forget to file with the city. We had a homeowner in Baker build a fence 6.5 feet tall in the back without realizing it pushed them into permit territory. They had to take it down and start over.
And then there are the shortcuts. Using untreated wood. Not sealing it. Skipping concrete. Hiring a buddy who “used to build fences” but doesn’t know local soil. These choices might save a few bucks now, but you’ll be redoing it inside of two years.
Another big one: not talking to your neighbor. If the fence sits on the property line, they have a say. You might both be responsible for cost, maintenance, and decisions—even if you’re the one who initiated the project. Clear the air first.
Want Help Without the Headache?
We’ve built fences in just about every corner of Denver—from Wash Park to Montbello, Highlands to Hampden. We’ve dealt with weird slopes, strict HOAs, old tree roots, and those narrow side yards that make you wish you were 40 pounds lighter.
If you’re not sure where to start—or want someone local who’ll handle permits, check utilities, and give it to you straight—BNB’s your team.
We’ll walk the property with you, flag any red flags, and give you an estimate that reflects what’s actually needed, not just what looks good on paper.
Reach out here: bnbdenverservices.com/contact, or give us a call at (720) 401-0164. We’d be happy to take a look.
