Fence Requirements

Before You Begin

The City of Littleton recommends that you speak to your neighbors who will be affected by your fence. It is a good way to meet your neighbors and will help mitigate any potential problems the fence may create. It is also important that you remember that building or repairing a fence can be a noisy process. Construction noise is limited to between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Decide what type of fence you want to construct: chain link, cedar, pine, redwood, wrought iron, or masonry. Barbed wire fences are permitted in A-1, R-S, and R-L zone districts and are not permitted in any other residential districts. In all residential districts, all swimming and wading pools with a depth of 18 inches or greater shall be fully enclosed by a fence not less than 60 inches in height and shall be constructed in a manner to prohibit entry.

Permits

A fence permit is required when you are installing any new fence or replacing more than 50 percent of the length or moving an existing fence and if you are changing the type of material used. The City regulates fences regarding their type, height, materials and location on the property. Permit Applications () can be downloaded, and are also available from the Building Division at the City of Littleton, or you can have the application faxed to you by calling 303-795-3751. After completing the application, you must bring it and all submittal requirements for your project in person to the Littleton Building Division at the Littleton Center, 2255 W. Berry Ave. Permit fees are payable upon issuance of the permit and are based on the valuation of the project as assessed by the building official. Call 303-795-3751 for more information.

Permit procedures on fences for residential properties differ from those for commercial and industrial properties. Homeowners may obtain permits from the Codes and Inspections Division by submitting a site plan showing where the fence is to be placed on the lot in relation to property lines and the house. Site plans should also indicate fence height and type of materials. Download a blank site plan, either for a corner lot or an interior lot, depending on the property location (requires Acrobat Reader). Site plans can also be hand-drawn, but must be legible and to scale.

Permitted fence height in residential zone district

Measuring Fence Height

Residential fences in Littleton must be between four feet and six feet tall. Fences over six feet require a variance from the Board of Adjustment.

When measuring the height of a fence, you measure from the lowest point within three feet on either side of the fence. This can reduce the actual height of your fence, so keep this in mind when planning where to install your fence.

Inspections

After your fence is installed call Mark Barons at 303-795-3778. You need not be present for your inspection. Simply leave your permit card in a location that is visible from the street.

Recommended Construction

For fences on commercial and industrial properties, the drawing must be approved by the Development Review Committee (DRC). The site drawing, drawn to scale, must show the location of the fence, existing structures, fence height and type of materials. This review process takes at least one week.

Barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited in all residential zones except RS and RL zones. They may be approved in agricultural, business and industrial zone districts after review. All swimming pools must be surrounded by a fence which is at least five feet in height and has self-latching gates.

Before digging post holes please call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado two business days before you start to dig at 1-800-922-1987 for location of underground utilities.

For further information, please contact the Littleton Codes and Inspection Department at 303- 795-3751.