Fence Regulations in Phoenix, AZ
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- Fence must have finished side facing outward (toward neighbors or street)Sec. 24-528
- No barbed wire, razor wire, or electrified fenceSec. 24-524
- Requires building permit if over 6 feet in heightSec. 24-523
- Minimum 4 feet, maximum 6 feet, self-closing and self-latching gate, no openings larger than 4 inchesSec. 24-526
- Fence may be placed on the property lineSec. 24-525
- Permit required: fence height over 6 feet
Important: This page provides an informational summary of Phoenix's municipal code. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before taking action.
Contact the Phoenix Planning Department at https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd to confirm current rules.
Notice: Our data for Fence Regulations in Phoenix may be incomplete. We recommend verifying all requirements directly with the Phoenix Planning Department before taking action.
In Plain English
- Fence must have finished side facing outward (toward neighbors or street) — Make sure the nice-looking side of your fence faces your neighbors or the street. The rougher side (with the posts and rails) should face your own yard. Sec. 24-528
- No barbed wire, razor wire, or electrified fence — You cannot use barbed wire, razor wire, or any electrified fencing anywhere on your property. Sec. 24-524
- Requires building permit if over 6 feet in height — If you want a fence taller than 6 feet, you must first get a building permit from the city. Fences 6 feet or shorter (in allowed areas) usually don't need a permit. Sec. 24-523
- Minimum 4 feet, maximum 6 feet, self-closing and self-latching gate, no openings larger than 4 inches — For a pool fence, it must be between 4 and 6 feet tall, the gate must close and latch by itself, and any gaps in the fence cannot be wider than 4 inches. Sec. 24-526
- Fence may be placed on the property line — You are allowed to build your fence right on your property line—you don't have to set it back into your yard. Sec. 24-525
- No fence, wall, or vegetation over 3 feet tall within 25 feet of the intersection of two street lines (or curb lines) — If your property is at a corner or near an intersection, you cannot have any fence, wall, or plants taller than 3 feet within 25 feet of where the streets meet. This keeps drivers' view clear. Sec. 24-527
View Official Code Language (6 sections)
Pursuant to Section 24-528, the finished side of any fence must face outward toward adjacent properties or the street.
Pursuant to Section 24-524, barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are prohibited in all zones.
Pursuant to Section 24-523, a building permit is required for any fence exceeding six feet in height.
Pursuant to Section 24-526, pool fences must be at least four feet and no more than six feet in height, equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates, and have no openings larger than four inches.
Pursuant to Section 24-525, fences may be placed directly on the property line.
Pursuant to Section 24-527, within 25 feet of any street or curb intersection, no fence, wall, or vegetation over three feet in height is permitted in the sight visibility triangle.
All Areas
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished Side Requirement | Fence must have finished side facing outward (toward neighbors or street) | Applies to all fences with a visible front and back | Sec. 24-528 |
| Material Restriction | No barbed wire, razor wire, or electrified fence | Residential zones Exception: Allowed in industrial/commercial zones with conditions | Sec. 24-524 |
| Permit Threshold | Requires building permit if over 6 feet in height | Any fence taller than 6 ft Exception: Retaining walls and certain agricultural fences may have different rules | Sec. 24-523 |
| Pool Fence Requirement | Minimum 4 feet, maximum 6 feet, self-closing and self-latching gate, no openings larger than 4 inches | Residential swimming pools | Sec. 24-526 |
| Property Line Placement | Fence may be placed on the property line | Must not encroach into public right-of-way or easements Exception: Corner lots must maintain clear vision triangle | Sec. 24-525 |
| Sight Visibility Triangle | No fence, wall, or vegetation over 3 feet tall within 25 feet of the intersection of two street lines (or curb lines) | Corner lots and driveways Exception: Trees with trunk diameter less than 6 inches and visibility maintained | Sec. 24-527 |
Front Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Fence Height | 4 feet | Residential districts Exception: May be up to 6 feet if fence is at least 50% open (e.g., wrought iron, chain link) | Sec. 24-522 |
Rear Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Fence Height | 6 feet | Residential districts | Sec. 24-522 |
Side Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Fence Height | 6 feet | Residential districts | Sec. 24-522 |
Corner Lot
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Fence Height | 4 feet | Within the front yard and street side yard setback Exception: Same as front yard: up to 6 ft if 50% open | Sec. 24-522 |
Permit Information
When a permit is required: fence height over 6 feet
Permit fee: — fees vary; contact Planning & Development Department for current fee schedule
Processing time: typically 1–2 weeks for over-the-counter permits, longer for reviews
Where to apply: Phoenix Planning & Development Department
- site plan showing fence location and property lines
- fence design details and height specifications
- proof of property ownership or owner authorization
- completed building permit application
Last verified: May 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build a fence in my backyard without a permit?
You can build a fence up to 6 feet tall in your rear yard without a permit. However, if you want it taller than 6 feet, you'll need a building permit (Sec. 24-523). Also, note that pool fences must be between 4 and 6 feet tall with self-closing gates (Sec. 24-526).
I live on a corner lot. Can I put a 6-foot fence along the side street?
No. On a corner lot, the maximum fence height along both the front and the side street is 4 feet (Sec. 24-522). Also, be aware of the sight visibility triangle: within 25 feet of the intersection, nothing over 3 feet tall (including fences) is allowed (Sec. 24-527).
Do I need a permit for a 4-foot pool fence?
Probably not for height alone, but pool fences must meet specific safety requirements: minimum 4 feet, maximum 6 feet, a self-closing and self-latching gate, and no openings larger than 4 inches (Sec. 24-526). Even if a permit isn't required for height under 6 feet, you still must comply with those safety rules.
Can I use chain-link fence with barbed wire on top to keep people out?
No. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are prohibited in all zones (Sec. 24-524). You are allowed to place the fence on your property line (Sec. 24-525), but the finished side must face outward (Sec. 24-528).
Source Citations
Data last verified: May 31, 2026
Cite this page
APA
Home Code Guide. (2026). Fence Regulations in Phoenix, AZ. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from https://homecodeguide.com/az/phoenix/fence-regulations/
MLA
"Fence Regulations in Phoenix, AZ." Home Code Guide, May 31, 2026, https://homecodeguide.com/az/phoenix/fence-regulations/. Accessed May 31, 2026.
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