Arizona / Scottsdale

Fence Permit in Scottsdale, Arizona

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

Quick answer

In Scottsdale, fences and walls exceeding 3 feet in height require a building permit. Fences 3 feet or shorter are exempt, except for retaining walls which always require a permit. A courtesy site plan review is recommended even for exempt fences to verify zoning compliance. Applications are submitted through the Scottsdale SPUR portal.

Permit required?

Sometimes, depending on the project.

Typical threshold: walls and fences 3 feet or shorter do not require a permit except retaining walls; fences over 3 feet require a building permit.

When a permit is usually needed

For any fence or wall taller than 3 feet

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

City of Scottsdale Planning and Development Department

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a fence permit in Scottsdale?
In Scottsdale, fences and walls exceeding 3 feet in height require a building permit. Fences 3 feet or shorter are exempt, except for retaining walls which always require a permit. A courtesy site plan review is recommended even for exempt fences to verify zoning compliance. Applications are submitted through the Scottsdale SPUR portal. The typical threshold is walls and fences 3 feet or shorter do not require a permit except retaining walls; fences over 3 feet require a building permit. Always confirm with the office before starting.
How much does a fence permit cost in Scottsdale?
Fees are set by Scottsdale and are not published here. Contact the office for current amounts.
How long does a fence permit take in Scottsdale?
Processing time for a fence permit in Scottsdale varies by workload and project scope. Contact the City of Scottsdale Planning and Development Department for a current estimate.
Where do you apply for a fence permit in Scottsdale?
You can apply through the Scottsdale permit portal or contact the City of Scottsdale 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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