From Permits to Posts: Your Complete Guide to Building a Fence in Aurora, CO

Building a fence in Aurora, CO, involves more than selecting a style—it requires navigating zoning regulations, permit requirements, HOA guidelines, and site-specific conditions. Whether you’re installing a privacy fence, enhancing your front yard, or securing a pool, this guide walks you through every step to ensure your fence is compliant, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Let Denco Fence handle the details for a stress-free experience.

🏡 Do You Need a Fence Permit in Aurora?

In Aurora, fences 6 feet or less in height do not require a building permit, provided they comply with city zoning and construction standards. Fences taller than 6 feet or those with specific conditions require a permit.

✅ When You Don’t Need a Permit

You can skip a building permit if your fence:

Is 6 feet or less in height
Is not in a floodplain, floodway, or historic district
Does not involve a retaining wall or structural elements requiring engineering
Complies with zoning standards for location and materials

❌ When You Do Need a Permit

A permit is required if:

The fence exceeds 6 feet in height
It’s located in a floodplain or floodway (requires a Floodplain Development Permit)
It’s in a historic district (requires approval from the Historic Preservation Division)
It involves a retaining wall or structural elements like deep footings
It’s a battery-operated alarmed electric fence (requires specific permits and compliance with ANSI/CPLSO 60335-2-76)

Pro Tip: Even if a permit isn’t required, your fence must comply with Aurora’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for height, setbacks, and materials. Check with the City of Aurora’s Permit Center or consult Denco Fence for guidance.

⌛ How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?

Standard fence permits are typically processed within 5–10 business days. Projects in historic districts or floodplains, or those requiring variances, may take 2–4 weeks due to additional reviews by the Historic Preservation Division or Engineering Department. Contact the Permit Center at 303-739-7420 or permitcounter@auroragov.org to confirm timelines.

⚠️ What Happens If You Skip the Permit?

Building without a required permit can lead to:

Fines or code violation notices
Mandatory fence removal or modification
Complications during property sales or inspections

📏 Fence Height & Placement Rules

Aurora enforces specific height and placement regulations to maintain safety, visibility, and neighborhood aesthetics, as outlined in the Unified Development Ordinance.

🧱 Height Limits by Location

Fence Location — Max Height (No Permit)

Front Yard — 4 feet
Back Yard — 6 feet
Side Yard — 6 feet
Corner Lot — 3 feet (within 15 feet of intersecting property lines at streets, driveways, or paths)

Note: Fences within 15 feet of intersecting property lines at public streets, walks, driveways, or paths are limited to 3 feet, whether solid or open, to ensure visibility. Fences over 4 feet must be placed behind the front building line.

🔀 Shared Property Lines

You may build directly on a shared property line with your neighbor’s written consent, per Colorado’s Good Neighbor Fence Law. Without consent, the fence must be set back to stay within your property line. Written notification of fence plans (dimensions, materials, costs) with a 30-day response period is recommended to avoid disputes.

🚧 Special Considerations

Retaining Walls: Fences on retaining walls count toward total height and may require engineering review if over 6 feet.
Visibility Triangles: Fences must not obstruct sight triangles within 15 feet of intersecting property lines at streets, driveways, or paths. A 5-foot clearance from fire hydrants or Fire Department Connections is required.
Easements and Drainage Swales: Fences in easements are discouraged and subject to removal if utilities need access. Fences across drainage swales must be 6 inches above grade, except for posts or upright bars.
Rights-of-Way: Fences cannot be installed in public rights-of-way without special authorization. If adjacent to a sidewalk, a 1-foot setback is required.
Floodplains/Floodways: Fences in floodplains require a Floodplain Development Permit. No fences are allowed in floodways, per FEMA regulations.
Historic Districts: Fences require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Division (630-844-3648).

📋 How to Apply for a Fence Permit in Aurora

If a permit is required, the process is managed through Aurora’s Permit Center.

📝 Step-by-Step Guide

Create a Site Plan: Draw a plat of survey showing the fence’s location, height, materials, and distances to property lines, streets, sidewalks, and easements. Include the property address and owner details.
Call 811 Before You Dig: Contact the Utility Notification Center of Colorado (1-800-922-1987) to mark underground utilities.
Check Historic District Requirements: If in a historic district, contact the Historic Preservation Division at 630-844-3648 for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Submit Application: Apply in person at the Aurora Municipal Center (15151 E. Alameda Parkway, 2nd Floor) or via email to permitcounter@auroragov.org. Include contractor details if applicable (business name, Aurora registration number).
Upload Documents: Submit the site plan, project cost estimate, and, if applicable, a Homeowner Affidavit for DIY projects. For electric fences, include additional details per ANSI/CPLSO 60335-2-76 standards.
Pay Fees: Permit fees range from $50–$150, based on project valuation. Additional fees may apply for floodplain or historic reviews.
Wait for Approval: Standard permits take 5–10 business days; historic or floodplain reviews may take 2–4 weeks.
Schedule Inspections (if required): Fences over 6 feet, in floodplains, or with structural elements may require inspections, scheduled via the Permit Center (303-739-7420).

🔍 Zoning & Land-Use Regulations in Aurora

Aurora’s zoning laws, outlined in the Unified Development Ordinance, regulate fence placement, height, and materials to ensure safety and community aesthetics.

🏘 Residential Zones (e.g., R-1, R-2)

Most residential properties fall under R-1 or R-2 zoning, allowing 4-foot front yard fences and 6-foot side/back yard fences (no permit required if compliant). Check your zoning with the Zoning Navigator Tool.

📜 Historic Districts

Properties in Aurora’s historic districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Division, restricting materials (e.g., no chain-link or vinyl) and mandating open designs like wrought iron.

⚠️ Zoning Verification

Unsure about your zoning? Contact the Planning and Development Services at 303-739-7000 or use the Zoning Navigator Tool.

🛠 Choosing Fence Materials & Construction Tips

Selecting materials that comply with Aurora’s codes and withstand its climate (snow, wind, sun) is essential.

✅ Allowed Materials in Most Areas

Brick, stone, or decorative concrete masonry units (CMU)
Wrought iron or metal picket fences
Pre-cast concrete replicating brick, stone, or stucco
Wood or stockade fencing with a top rail
Vinyl (allowed in non-historic zones)
Chain-link (allowed in side/back yards only)

🚫 Restricted or Prohibited Materials

Chain-link in front yards or along public rights-of-way
Barbed wire or sharp-pointed fences in residential zones (except for utility installations)
Electrically charged fences (except battery-operated alarmed fences with permits)
Concertina wire, chicken wire, corrugated metal, fabric, fiberboard, plywood, or tarps
Any non-standard or hazardous materials

🔧 Best-Build Practices

Post Depth: Set posts 24–30 inches deep (below the frost line) in concrete to prevent shifting.
Fasteners: Use galvanized or exterior-grade screws/nails to resist rust.
Spacing: Ensure proper spacing for rails and pickets to allow airflow and drainage, especially for wood fences.
Vinyl/Composite: Reinforce posts with steel and ensure a level base to prevent warping.
Finished Side: The finished side must face outward, with posts on the owner’s side.

🧰 Material Maintenance Tips

Wood: Seal or stain every 2–3 years to prevent rot and UV damage.
Vinyl: Clean regularly to avoid discoloration; avoid extreme heat exposure.
Composite: Higher cost but minimal upkeep and eco-friendly.
Wrought Iron: Apply rust-resistant coatings to extend lifespan.

💰 Cost Breakdown & Gate Pricing

Fence costs in Aurora vary based on materials, labor, and site conditions:

Labor: ~50% of total project cost
Materials: Wood and vinyl are cost-effective; composite and wrought iron are pricier
Permit Fees: $50–$150 for permitted fences; additional fees for floodplain or historic reviews
Prep Work: Removing old fences, grading, or stump removal may add $3–$5 per foot
Gate Costs:
- Side gate: $150–$400
- Driveway gate: $400–$1,500+, especially with automation

⚠️ Avoid These Common Fence Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls to save time, money, and headaches:

Skipping 811: Digging without marking utilities is illegal and dangerous.
Ignoring Property Lines: Confirm boundaries with a survey to avoid disputes.
Exceeding Height Limits: A 6-foot fence in the front yard or 3-foot limit in visibility triangles violates code.
Using Prohibited Materials: Chain-link in front yards or barbed wire in residential zones will be denied.
Building in Easements/Swales: Fences in easements or drainage swales may need removal or specific designs.
Underestimating Wind: Aurora’s winds require sturdy posts and concrete footings.

🏠 Real-World Example

An Aurora homeowner in a historic district installed a 5-foot chain-link fence in their front yard without approval. The Historic Preservation Division rejected it for non-compliant materials. Denco Fence redesigned the fence with wrought iron, secured a Certificate of Appropriateness, and completed the project, avoiding fines.

🧩 Aurora Variance & Exceptions

Need a taller fence or non-standard design? Apply for a variance through Aurora’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Requirements include:

Demonstrating a unique hardship (e.g., steep terrain or privacy needs)
Proving no negative impact on neighbors
Attending a public hearing to address concerns
Contact Planning and Development Services at 303-739-7000 for details.

🏡 Dealing with HOAs & Neighborhood Rules

HOAs in Aurora may impose stricter rules than city codes, including:

Height and material restrictions
Color or design standards
Setback requirements
Approval from architectural committees (may take 15–30 days)

Obtain written HOA approval before construction, even if your fence complies with city regulations.

🤝 Aurora’s Good Neighbor Tips

Colorado’s Good Neighbor Fence Law promotes cooperation:

Notify neighbors in writing before building on shared property lines, detailing plans (location, materials, costs).
Consider cost-sharing if neighbors benefit from the fence.
Document agreements in writing for clarity and legal protection.

🧰 Questions to Ask Your Fence Installer

Before hiring a contractor, ask:

Will you handle permit and site plan submissions?
What post depth and concrete type do you use?
Do you use galvanized or exterior-grade fasteners?
Can you provide photos of past Aurora projects?
What warranty do you offer?
Is financing available?

At Denco Fence, we answer with confidence: yes, we do it right.

⏱ Installation Timeline (Typical Flow)

Permit Review: 5–10 business days; 2–4 weeks for historic or floodplain reviews
Scheduling: 2–4 weeks, depending on season
Installation: 2–4 days on-site
Curing: Allow 1–2 days for concrete to set before heavy use (e.g., gates or pet activity)

📚 Helpful Resources & Links

👍 Skip the Hassle—Let Denco Fence Handle It

Navigating permits, zoning, HOAs, and Aurora’s regulations can be complex. That’s why Aurora homeowners trust Denco Fence to deliver:

Full permit and HOA coordination
High-quality, code-compliant materials and installation
Expert design tailored to Aurora’s climate and aesthetics
Beautiful, long-lasting fences

Request your free estimate today and build your fence the right way with Denco Fence!

Denco Fence Company