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Fences and Walls

The information provided is for single-family residential properties, for other uses contact the One Stop Shop at 480-312-2500.

Permits are required when:

Building any fence over 3-feet in height.
No permit required for constructing Wall/Fence which is less than 3' in height. (Site plan approval will verify setbacks and property lines).

  • Adding additional height to existing fences over 3-feet in height. Engineered plans may be required when adding height to existing fences.
  • Constructing a retaining wall. All retaining walls require engineered plans to be submitted and approved by the City.
  • Building keystone or keystone-type walls over 30-inches in height.
  • Replacing an existing fence. The same requirements apply when replacing an existing fence as apply when building a new fence.

REPAIRING A FENCE? 

Before removing the fence, check with the One Stop Shop on-call planner to make sure the fence is not non-conforming.  Non-conforming fences that are removed cannot be replaced in the same, non-conforming location and will be required to meet current zoning specifications related to placement, height, etc. 

No permit is required if minor repairs to the fence are NOT changing LOCATION...HEIGHT...or MATERIALS.

Keeping you informed

R1-7 Fences & Walls Text Amendment (1-TA-2007) Tentatively scheduled for Oct 19th Planning Commission Hearing

Key Resources

The review time for walls/fences
is 15 calendar days.





Detail Drawings

Minimum Standards for 4" Masonry Fence (pdf / 37 kb / 1 pg)

Minimum Standards for 6" - 8" Masonry Fence (pdf / 50 kb / 1 pg)

Minimum Standards for Retaining Walls 4 ft or Less (pdf / 61 kb / 1 pg / 1-5-06)

2515-1 Fence Opening & Erosion Protection - Type 1 PDF - 160KB DWG - 108KB
2515-2 Drainage Grate At Block Fence PDF - 116KB DWG - 253KB
2515-3 Fence Opening Erosion Protection - Type 2 PDF - 132KB DWG - 73KB


Submittal Resources

  • Site Plan Requirements
  • Walls/Fences in Public Utility Easements (PUE)
  • Raising an existing wall/fence? Provide a detail showing how you intend to connect with the existing structure (i.e. drilling down, rebar, etc).
  • Building or raising a fence on a common property line? Due to the impacts on neighboring properties (footings, worker access) approval from each neighbor is required at submittal. Have every neighbor impacted sign a Neighbor Authorization form (pdf / 53 kb).
  • Subdivision Walls
  • Fee is charged per hour plus charge per linear feet of retaining wall. The first hour plan review fee is collected at time of submittal. Additional review hours will be charged with the permit fee.
  • Fence / Wall Standard Plan - non-ESL and not in the Cactus Corridor
    (pdf / 1.1 mb / 9 pgs)

Submittal Checklist

  1. 3 copies of Grading and Drainage site plan (if in ESL) – or - 3 site plans (if non ESL) with minimum site plan requirements on 24” x 36” plan
  2. 1 copy of the original, city-approved, site plan
  3. 1 copy of color aerial photo (2005 or more recent)
  4. Fence details
  5. Easement consent (written authorization to encroach the easement) must be obtained from each party if built within, or across a Public Utility Easement (PUE), Rights-of-way, or common property line.
  6. If in flood zone A, plans must be sealed by a civil engineer

Over the Counter Review is available if: (same submittal requirements apply)

  • The proposed Walls/Fences are less than or equal to 6' high.
  • The property is NOT within the Cactus Corridor (Loop 101 to FLW Blvd, Shea to Thunderbird).
  • For properties in the ESL area where the wall locations and details are approved on the subdivision Grading & Drainage plan.

Inspections Required

The inspector will be looking for the approved plans and the green "Inspection Record Card". These must be left in a conspicuous location on site, for the inspector to refer to at all inspections.

We're Here to Help

  • Don't know who to call, where to start... staff is available to personally answer your questions and respond to specific questions.
  • Contact the Planning & Development Customer Relations Office
    at 480-312-7800.
  • Contact the One Stop Shop at 480-312-2500.