Fence or deck costs in Denver

In Denver, a fence is a zoning job before it's a carpentry job. The Denver Zoning Code says a new fence or wall needs a zoning permit unless it's four feet tall or less. Even a short one needs the permit if your lot holds a designated landmark, sits in a landmark district, or backs onto a designated parkway.

Replacements get a break. If your current fence was permitted, you can repair it or replace it with like materials without a new zoning permit, as long as the location, footprint and height stay the same. Move it, widen its footprint or go taller and, unless it stays four feet or under, you need the permit again.

Height follows the front of your house. A fence that sits in front of at least three-quarters of your street-facing facade tops out at four feet. Once it's flush with or behind that line, the cap is six feet. The Zoning Administrator can approve up to two extra feet when a fence is needed for privacy, security, or relief from traffic noise or lights. Anything taller goes to a variance. In sight triangles at corners, driveways and alleys, the city's transportation department has to approve the fence.

On a new-home or addition permit, Community Planning and Development wants the fence on your site plan, labeled with its material and height.