Do I need a permit for fence installation or replacement in Tempe?
It depends. Whether fence installation or replacement needs a permit in Tempe comes down to the details of your project.
Tempe publishes a Fences and Freestanding Walls handout and provides a fee schedule for fences and freestanding walls; masonry or taller walls generally need a permit while low fences may be exempt, so confirm your height and material with the Permit Center. A fence that doubles as a pool barrier must meet Tempe's stricter swimming pool barrier rules (at least 5 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate), not just the general fence handout. Contact Arizona 811 before digging any fence footings or post holes. A fence over 7 feet is above the height the model residential code exempts, so most jurisdictions that follow that model will require a permit for it. This state does not set that line, so confirm the threshold with your local building or zoning department. Arizona has no statewide residential building code, so fence rules are set by each city, town or county. Standard-height fences are often exempt from a building permit, but taller fences, block or masonry walls, and retaining walls usually require one, and the height threshold and setback rules are local. A fence that also serves as a pool barrier must meet the specific pool barrier requirements (opening size, non-climbable surface, self-latching gate) for the jurisdiction.
Documents you may need
- Building Permit (BP) application through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal per the Fences and Freestanding Walls handoutSometimes required
- Plot plan showing the fence or wall location, height, and materialLikely required
- Barrier and gate details when the fence also serves as a swimming pool barrierSometimes required
- Permit application (required for walls or taller fences in many jurisdictions)Likely required
- Site plan showing fence line, height, and setbacksrequired
- Engineering/structural detail for masonry or retaining wallsSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Footing inspection for masonry or block walls when a permit is required
- Building Final (199) inspection when a permit is required
- Footing inspection for masonry or block walls
- Final inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for fence installation or replacement in Tempe?
- It depends. Whether fence installation or replacement needs a permit in Tempe comes down to the details of your project. Tempe publishes a Fences and Freestanding Walls handout and provides a fee schedule for fences and freestanding walls; masonry or taller walls generally need a permit while low fences may be exempt, so confirm your height and material with the Permit Center. A fence that doubles as a pool barrier must meet Tempe's stricter swimming pool barrier rules (at least 5 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate), not just the general fence handout. Contact Arizona 811 before digging any fence footings or post holes. A fence over 7 feet is above the height the model residential code exempts, so most jurisdictions that follow that model will require a permit for it. This state does not set that line, so confirm the threshold with your local building or zoning department. Arizona has no statewide residential building code, so fence rules are set by each city, town or county. Standard-height fences are often exempt from a building permit, but taller fences, block or masonry walls, and retaining walls usually require one, and the height threshold and setback rules are local. A fence that also serves as a pool barrier must meet the specific pool barrier requirements (opening size, non-climbable surface, self-latching gate) for the jurisdiction.
- Who issues the permit in Tempe?
- The local building department for Tempe handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.