Denver has clear height limits by yard, a zoning permit for anything taller than 4 feet, and extra rules in historic districts. Cold winters also matter: Denver's building code sets a 36-inch frost depth.
About the prices on this page: they are ballpark estimates from QuoteFence's starting price sheet, which sits inside national 2026 ranges published by HomeGuide. We do not have Denver-specific price data, so the same starting prices are used for every city. What changes from city to city is the rules, and the rules change what you build. Use the fence cost calculator for your own yard.
Example fence costs in Denver
| Example job | Ballpark installed (good to best) | Each neighbor if split 50/50 |
|---|---|---|
| 6 ft cedar privacy, back yard, 150 ft, 1 walk gate | $5,300 to $9,200 | $2,650 to $4,600 |
| 4 ft ornamental aluminum, front yard, 60 ft, 1 walk gate | $2,450 to $4,350 | $1,250 to $2,200 |
| HOA 3-rail ranch, 200 ft, 1 drive gate | $5,700 to $10,650 | $2,850 to $5,350 |
Gate widths come off the footage and each gate is priced on its own. No tear-out, permit fees or stain included. Real quotes from Denver contractors can land above or below these ranges.
Denver fence rules that affect cost
- A fence in the front yard can be up to 4 feet tall. In side and rear yards it can be up to 6 feet.[1]
- A fence taller than 4 feet needs a zoning permit. A building permit is only needed for fences taller than 8 feet.[1][2]
- Fences must sit at least 6 inches behind a public sidewalk.[2]
- On historic landmark properties and in historic districts, front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet and must be more than 50% open. Vinyl, PVC and chain link are not allowed in most districts.[3]
- The 2025 Denver Building Code lists a frost line depth of 36 inches.[4]
Rules change. Check the official pages listed under Sources, and ask your HOA, before you build.
What this means for your Denver fence
- A 6-foot privacy fence along the back of the lot is the usual Denver job, and it needs a zoning permit because it is over 4 feet. Ask whether the permit is included in the quote.
- Front-yard fences are capped at 4 feet, so an open style like ornamental aluminum or a ranch rail is common there.
- In a historic district, skip vinyl and chain link quotes for the front yard and ask about open wood or metal designs.
- Post depth matters with a 36-inch frost line. Ask how deep posts are set.
National price ranges for comparison
HomeGuide's 2026 national ranges for installed fencing, per linear foot: wood $20 to $50, vinyl $30 to $60, chain link $9 to $30, aluminum $25 to $75.[5] Split rail runs about $15 to $35.[6]
Price your own Denver fence
Find your home on the satellite map, tap the corners of your fence, and see a good, better and best range plus the neighbor split.
Denver fence contractor? Put an instant quote on your website
QuoteFence gives your website the same kind of calculator, loaded with your prices, your styles and your gates. Homeowners draw their fence on a satellite map and see your good, better and best prices. You get the lead with the footage already measured.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a fence in Denver?
For a fence taller than 4 feet, yes: Denver requires a zoning permit. A building permit is only required above 8 feet. Check the city's Fences and Walls page before you build.
How tall can a backyard fence be in Denver?
Up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and up to 4 feet in the front yard.
How much does a fence cost in Denver?
Using QuoteFence's starting prices, 150 feet of 6-foot cedar privacy fence with one walk gate comes to about $5,300 to $9,200 installed, across good, better and best grades. These are ballpark figures, not Denver-specific quotes. Local contractors set their own prices.
More cities
Sources
- City and County of Denver, Fences and Walls: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Plan-Review-Permits-and-Inspections/Zoning-Permits/Apply-for-Commercial-Zoning-Permits/Fences-and-Walls
- Denver, Homeowner work instructions: fence permit (PDF): https://www.denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/1/community-planning-and-development/documents/ds/other-forms-and-guides/homeowner_work_instructions_fence_permit.pdf
- Denver Zoning Code interpretation 12.4.1.2.E, fences and walls on landmark properties (PDF): https://www.denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/1/community-planning-and-development/documents/zoning/denver-zoning-code/interpretations-determinations-clarifications/dzc-12.4.1.2.e-fences-walls-and-retaining-walls-final-draft-5.21.2026.pdf
- 2025 Denver Building Code (PDF): https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/3/community-planning-and-development/documents/ds/building-codes/2025_denver_building_code.pdf
- HomeGuide, Fence installation cost (2026): https://homeguide.com/costs/fence-installation-cost
- HomeGuide, Split rail fence cost: https://homeguide.com/costs/split-rail-fence-cost
Official pages read October 27, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.