Building a fence in Centennial, CO, is more than choosing a design—it requires navigating zoning regulations, permit processes, 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 Centennial?
Yes—in Centennial, most fences require a permit depending on their location, height, and design. This applies to residential, commercial, and industrial properties to ensure compliance with the Centennial Land Development Code, safety standards, and neighborhood aesthetics.
✅ Permit Application Process
Homeowners or contractors can apply for a permit through Centennial’s Online Permitting Portal. A complete application generally includes a site plan showing property boundaries, proposed fence location, and dimensions. If you live in an HOA neighborhood, approval from the HOA must be provided with the permit application.
⌛ How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?
Standard fence permits in Centennial are typically processed within 5–10 business days. Projects that require additional reviews (historic areas, floodplains, or variances) may take 2–4 weeks. For assistance, contact the Building Division at 303-754-3321 or building@centennialco.gov.
⚠️ What Happens If You Skip the Permit?
Building without a required permit can result in:
- Fines or code violation notices
- Mandatory fence removal or modification
- Complications during property sales or inspections
📏 Fence Height & Placement Rules
Centennial enforces specific rules under the Land Development Code to ensure safety, visibility, and neighborhood consistency.
🧱 Height Limits by Location
- Front Yard: 4 feet
- Back Yard: 6 feet
- Side Yard: 6 feet
- Corner Lot: 3 feet (within visibility triangles)
Note:
- Front yard fences must be at least 50% open (such as picket, split rail, or wrought iron).
- Fences over 6 feet typically require a variance.
- Visibility triangles near intersections and driveways limit fence height to 3 feet.
🔀 Shared Property Lines
Colorado’s Good Neighbor Fence Law (Colo. Rev. Stat. 35-46-112) applies in Centennial. You may build directly on the property line with your neighbor’s consent. Without consent, the fence must be within your property. Written notification of fence plans with a 30-day response period is recommended.
🚧 Special Considerations
- Retaining Walls: Fence height is measured from the lowest grade. Taller combinations may require engineering review.
- Visibility Triangles: Fences higher than 3 feet are prohibited in sightline areas at driveways and intersections.
- Public Rights-of-Way: The finished side of the fence must face outward, and placement cannot encroach on sidewalks or streets.
- Easements: Fences in utility easements may be removed for maintenance access. Confirm easement locations with the Planning Division.
- Floodplains: Properties in designated floodplains may require a Floodplain Development Permit.
- Pool Fencing: Pools must be enclosed with a fence at least 4 feet high and include a self-closing, self-latching gate
📋 How to Apply for a Fence Permit in Centennial
When planning, select materials that both comply with Centennial’s code and withstand local climate conditions.
✅ Allowed Materials in Most Areas
- Cedar or redwood
- Vinyl privacy fences
- Composite materials (eco-friendly, low-maintenance)
- Wrought iron or ornamental metal
- Chain-link (back and side yards only; limited in front yards)
🚫 Restricted or Prohibited Materials
- Barbed wire or electric fencing in residential zones
- Plywood, chicken wire, or other non-durable materials visible to the public
- Solid front yard fences without variance approval
🔧 Best-Build Practices
- Post Depth: 24–30 inches below frost line in concrete
- Fasteners: Use galvanized/exterior screws to prevent rust
- Vinyl/Composite: Reinforce posts to prevent leaning
- Maintenance: Fence must remain structurally sound and upright
🧰 Material Maintenance Tips
- Wood: Seal or stain every 2–3 years
- Vinyl: Wash periodically to prevent discoloration
- Composite: Minimal upkeep, eco-friendly option
- Wrought Iron: Treat with rust-resistant coatings
💰 Cost Breakdown & Gate Pricing
Fence costs in Centennial vary by material and site prep:
- Labor: ~50% of total cost
- Permit Fees: $50–$150, plus local use tax on materials
- Site Prep: $3–$5 per foot for old fence removal or grading
- Gate Pricing:
- Side gates: $150–$400
- Driveway gates: $400–$1,500+ (automation increases cost)
⚠️ Avoid These Common Fence Mistakes
- Skipping 811 utility marking before digging
- Building over property lines without a survey
- Exceeding Centennial’s fence height restrictions
- Using prohibited materials (barbed wire, solid front yard fences)
- Ignoring HOA rules or easements
🏠 Real-World Example
A Centennial homeowner installed a solid 6-foot front yard fence without a permit. The city required removal since it violated the 4-foot, 50% open rule. Denco Fence handled the variance request, redesigned the project, and rebuilt a compliant open-style fence, avoiding further fines.
🧩 Variances & Exceptions in Centennial
Need a fence taller than 6 feet or a unique material? Apply for a variance through Centennial’s Board of Adjustment. You’ll need to show:
- A hardship (privacy or safety concern)
- No negative impacts on neighbors
- Willingness to attend a public hearing
Contact the Planning Division at 303-754-3350 for guidance.
🏡 Dealing with HOAs & Neighborhood Rules
Centennial neighborhoods often have HOAs with stricter rules than city code. These may regulate:
- Fence materials and styles
- Color and finish
- Setbacks or easements
Always secure written HOA approval before construction.
🤝 Centennial’s Good Neighbor Tips
Colorado’s fence law encourages cooperation:
- Notify neighbors in writing before building on shared lines
- Discuss cost-sharing if both parties benefit
- Keep agreements in writing for legal clarity
🧰 Questions to Ask Your Fence Installer
- Will you handle permit applications?
- What post depth and fasteners will you use?
- Do you follow Centennial’s zoning codes?
- Can you show past Centennial projects?
- What warranty do you offer?
At Denco Fence, our answer is simple: we handle it all, the right way.
⏱ Installation Timeline (Typical Flow)
- Permit Review: 5–10 business days; 2–4 weeks if variances needed
- Scheduling: 2–4 weeks depending on season
- Installation: 2–4 days on-site
- Curing: 1–2 days before heavy use
📚 Helpful Resources & Links
- Centennial Building Division
- Centennial Online Permitting Portal
- Centennial Land Development Code
- Colorado 811 Utility Notification
- Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder – HOA Covenants
📖 Sources
The information in this guide was compiled from the following sources, accessed on October 21, 2025:
- Centennial Land Development Code – Fence height, placement, and material regulations. https://www.centennialco.gov/Government/Departments/Community-Development/Land-Development-Code
- Centennial Building Division – Permit application process, fees, and timelines. https://www.centennialco.gov/Government/Departments/Building
- City of Centennial Online Permitting Portal – Application submission system. https://www.centennialco.gov/Online-Services/Apply-for-a-Fence-Permit
- Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder – HOA covenant and neighborhood restrictions. https://www.arapahoegov.com/
- Colorado 811 Utility Notification Center – Utility marking requirements before digging. https://www.colorado811.org/
- Colorado Fence Law Guide – Details on Good Neighbor Fence Law and property line rules. https://blacklinehhp.com/colorado-residential-fence-law/
- FindLaw – Colorado Property Line and Fence Laws – Shared property lines, fence ownership, and dispute resolution. https://www.findlaw.com/state/colorado-law/property-line-and-fence-laws-in-colorado.html
👍 Skip the Hassle—Let Denco Fence Handle It
Navigating Centennial’s permits, zoning rules, and HOA restrictions can be overwhelming. That’s why homeowners trust Denco Fence to deliver:
- Full permit and HOA coordination
- High-quality, code-compliant installation
- Expert design suited to Centennial’s climate and neighborhoods
- Durable, beautiful fences that last
Request your free estimate today and build your fence the right way with Denco Fence!