Do I need a permit for fence installation or replacement in Lakewood?
Yes. In Colorado, fence installation or replacement generally requires a permit, and Lakewood is no exception.
Lakewood requires a fence permit when more than 8 linear feet of fencing is constructed, replaced, repaired, or modified. Backyard fences may be up to 6 feet tall, while front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet and must be at least 50 percent open. Fences must be set back at least 2 feet from the sidewalk, or from the property line where it sits more than 2 feet behind the sidewalk. 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. Colorado has no statewide residential building code, so fence permit thresholds are set by each city and county. The 7 foot figure in the model residential code is not a Colorado rule. Colorado jurisdictions set their own height thresholds, setback and corner-visibility rules, so confirm locally before building. A fence that also serves as a pool barrier must meet the barrier rules (height, opening or sphere size, self-latching gate) adopted by your jurisdiction.
Documents you may need
- eTRAKiT fence permit applicationrequired
- Site or plot plan showing fence location, height, and setbacksLikely required
- Permit application (required for taller fences or walls in many jurisdictions)Likely required
- Site plan showing fence line, height, and setbacksrequired
- Engineering/structural detail for masonry or retaining wallsSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Final inspection as required by the city
- Footing inspection for masonry or block walls
- Final inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for fence installation or replacement in Lakewood?
- Yes. In Colorado, fence installation or replacement generally requires a permit, and Lakewood is no exception. Lakewood requires a fence permit when more than 8 linear feet of fencing is constructed, replaced, repaired, or modified. Backyard fences may be up to 6 feet tall, while front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet and must be at least 50 percent open. Fences must be set back at least 2 feet from the sidewalk, or from the property line where it sits more than 2 feet behind the sidewalk. 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. Colorado has no statewide residential building code, so fence permit thresholds are set by each city and county. The 7 foot figure in the model residential code is not a Colorado rule. Colorado jurisdictions set their own height thresholds, setback and corner-visibility rules, so confirm locally before building. A fence that also serves as a pool barrier must meet the barrier rules (height, opening or sphere size, self-latching gate) adopted by your jurisdiction.
- Who issues the permit in Lakewood?
- The local building department for Lakewood 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.