Arizona / Maricopa County

Fence Permit in Maricopa County, Arizona

By Mario Bailey Last verified 2026-06-17 · 2 official sources

Quick answer

In unincorporated Maricopa County any fence exceeding 1 foot in height requires at least a drainage clearance permit. Fences over 6 feet in height, pool barriers, fences on hillside lots, and retaining walls all require a full building permit and zoning clearance. Applications are submitted through the county Permit Center portal.

Permit required?

Sometimes, depending on the project.

Typical threshold: any fence over 1 foot in height requires at minimum a drainage clearance permit; fences over 6 feet require a building permit and zoning clearance.

When a permit is usually needed

For any fence over 1 foot tall in unincorporated Maricopa County

Permit cost and what affects it

Fees are set by the locality and are not published here. See the official fee schedule or contact the office for current amounts.

Permit costs generally depend on the project valuation, the scope of work, and the inspections required. Ask the office how the fee is calculated for your specific project.

Where to apply

Maricopa County Planning and Development Department

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a fence permit in Maricopa County?
In unincorporated Maricopa County any fence exceeding 1 foot in height requires at least a drainage clearance permit. Fences over 6 feet in height, pool barriers, fences on hillside lots, and retaining walls all require a full building permit and zoning clearance. Applications are submitted through the county Permit Center portal. The typical threshold is any fence over 1 foot in height requires at minimum a drainage clearance permit; fences over 6 feet require a building permit and zoning clearance. Always confirm with the office before starting.
How much does a fence permit cost in Maricopa County?
Fees are set by Maricopa County and are not published here. Contact the office for current amounts.
How long does a fence permit take in Maricopa County?
Processing time for a fence permit in Maricopa County varies by workload and project scope. Contact the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department for a current estimate.
Where do you apply for a fence permit in Maricopa County?
You can apply through the Maricopa County permit portal or contact the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department directly. The links are listed on this page.

Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-17 Report an error on this page

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