Building a fence in Highlands Ranch, CO, involves more than selecting 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 Highlands Ranch?
Yes—in Highlands Ranch, most fences require a permit depending on their location, height, and design. This applies to residential properties to ensure compliance with Douglas County’s zoning regulations, safety standards, and neighborhood aesthetics, as Highlands Ranch is an unincorporated community governed by Douglas County.
✅ Permit Application Process
Homeowners or contractors can apply for a permit through the Douglas County Online Services Portal. A complete application generally includes a site plan showing property boundaries, proposed fence location, and dimensions. In Highlands Ranch, approval from the Highlands Ranch Metro District or applicable HOA is required with the permit application.
⌛ How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?
Standard fence permits in Douglas County are typically processed within 5–10 business days. Projects requiring additional reviews (historic areas, floodplains, or variances) may take 2–4 weeks. For assistance, contact the Douglas County Building Division at 303-660-7497 or building@douglas.co.us.
⚠️ 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
Douglas County enforces specific rules under its Zoning Resolution to ensure safety, visibility, and neighborhood consistency in Highlands Ranch.
🧱 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 Highlands Ranch. 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 Douglas County 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 Highlands Ranch
When planning, select materials that comply with Douglas County’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 Highlands Ranch 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 Douglas County’s fence height restrictions
- Using prohibited materials (barbed wire, solid front yard fences)
- Ignoring HOA or Metro District rules or easements
🏠 Real-World Example
A Highlands Ranch homeowner installed a solid 6-foot front yard fence without a permit. The county 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 Highlands Ranch
Need a fence taller than 6 feet or a unique material? Apply for a variance through Douglas County’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 Douglas County Planning Division at 303-660-7460 for guidance.
🏡 Dealing with HOAs & Neighborhood Rules
Highlands Ranch is governed by the Highlands Ranch Metro District and multiple HOAs, which often have stricter rules than county code. These may regulate:
- Fence materials and styles
- Color and finish
- Setbacks or easements
Always secure written HOA and Metro District approval before construction.
🤝 Highlands Ranch’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 Douglas County’s zoning codes?
- Can you show past Highlands Ranch 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
- Douglas County Building Division
- Douglas County Online Services Portal
- Douglas County Zoning Resolution
- Colorado 811 Utility Notification
- Highlands Ranch Metro District – Architectural Guidelines
- Douglas County Clerk & Recorder – HOA Covenants
📖 Sources
The information in this guide was compiled from the following sources, accessed on October 21, 2025:
- Douglas County Zoning Resolution – Fence height, placement, and material regulations. https://www.douglas.co.us/land/planning/zoning-resolution/
- Douglas County Building Division – Permit application process, fees, and timelines. https://www.douglas.co.us/land/building/
- Douglas County Online Services Portal – Application submission system. https://www.douglas.co.us/online-services/
- Douglas County Clerk & Recorder – HOA covenant and neighborhood restrictions. https://www.douglas.co.us/clerk/
- 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
- Highlands Ranch Metro District – Architectural guidelines and fence regulations. https://highlandsranch.org/
👍 Skip the Hassle—Let Denco Fence Handle It
Navigating Highlands Ranch’s permits, zoning rules, Metro District, and HOA restrictions can be overwhelming. That’s why homeowners trust Denco Fence to deliver:
- Full permit, Metro District, and HOA coordination
- High-quality, code-compliant installation
- Expert design suited to Highlands Ranch’s climate and neighborhoods
- Durable, beautiful fences that last
Request your free estimate today and build your fence the right way with Denco Fence!