The most common fence question we get after "how much?" is "how tall can it be?" In the towns around Erie, the short answer is usually up to 6 feet in the back and side yards, and lower in the front yard. The details, and whether you need a permit, change from town to town.
Rules checked October 2026. Cities update their codes, and your HOA can be stricter than the city. Always confirm for your address before you build. We check the rules for every job.
Arvada
- Permit: required for every fence, no matter the height.
- Back and interior side yards: up to 6 feet.
- Front yard and street side yard: 3 feet, or 4 feet if the fence is at least 50% open (like a picket or split rail fence). A 6 ft fence on a street side is allowed only if it's set back at least 6 feet from the property line or sidewalk.
- Fences over 4 feet have to be even with or behind the front of the house.
Louisville
- Permit: required. Solid fences need a signed solid fence certification, and a fence built right on the property line needs written permission from the neighbor.
- Back and side yards: up to 6 feet.
- Front yard setback: up to 4 feet.
- Near street corners: 2½ feet in the sight zone unless the fence is more than 80% open.
- Some neighborhoods have their own extra fence rules, so check your subdivision.
Superior
- Permit: a fence zoning review is required for residential fences.
- Back and side yards: up to 6 feet.
- Front yard setback: up to 4 feet.
- Corner lots have sight triangle limits, and many Superior neighborhoods have HOA covenants with stricter rules.
Lafayette
- Permit: fences are on the city's list of work that needs a building permit.
- Height: call the building department to confirm the limit for your lot and zoning before you build. The usual pattern in the area is 6 feet in back and lower in front.
Erie
- Erie's rules depend a lot on your subdivision. Many Erie neighborhoods have HOA covenants that set the height, style and color, and lots that back onto open space or trails often must use open styles like split rail.
- Check with the Town of Erie and your HOA before you build. We can pull the rules for your address as part of your estimate.
How height is measured
Most cities measure from the finished ground on the outside of the fence, the side facing the street or your neighbor. On a slope, that can mean some panels have to step down to stay under the limit. We sort that out when we measure.
Corner lots and driveways
Almost every city limits fence height near street corners and driveways so drivers can see. If you're on a corner, expect a short or open fence in that area.
HOA rules come first
If your HOA is stricter than the city, the HOA rule is the one you have to follow. Many also require a good neighbor fence on shared lines. Get written approval before you build. See permits, HOA rules and 811.
When you hire Blu Bear Stone, we check the city and HOA rules for your address and handle the 811 utility locates. Ask for a free estimate to get started.