Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted fence: $75–$275 estimated city fees when a building permit is required (varies by construction valuation; standard fences 6 ft and under are generally exempt from the permit requirement and incur no permit fee)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee (when required) | $75–$275 (estimated, based on construction valuation) | Salt Lake City Building Services uses a valuation-based fee schedule for residential permits. A typical residential fence over 6 feet or masonry wall usually falls in this range. Verify the current fee schedule at slc.gov/building-services before applying. |
| Plan review fee | Typically included or ~65% of permit fee | Residential plan review for standard single-family work is usually bundled with the permit fee for simple fence submittals. Complex structural or masonry submittals may carry a separate plan review charge. |
| Inspection fee | Included; reinspection fee if not ready | Required inspections are covered under the issued permit. Masonry walls and pool-barrier fences typically require a footing inspection and a final inspection. A reinspection fee applies if the site is not ready when the inspector arrives. |
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Conditions
The rules that apply
- Most standard wood, vinyl, chain-link, or metal residential fences 6 feet or under in height do NOT require a building permit from Salt Lake City Building Services under the 2021 Utah Residential Code (2021 IRC with Utah amendments) Section R105.2 exemptions.
- A building permit IS required for any fence or wall exceeding 6 feet in height.
- Masonry and concrete block walls require a building permit regardless of height due to structural footing requirements and frost-depth considerations under the 2021 Utah Residential Code.
- Any fence serving as a swimming pool barrier must comply with the 2021 Utah Residential Code Section R326 pool enclosure requirements — a building permit is required regardless of fence height.
- Salt Lake City zoning ordinances set fence height limits by zoning district: front yard fences are generally limited to 4 feet in residential districts; rear and side yard fences are generally limited to 6 feet without a permit.
- Fence footings for any permitted fence must be designed to bear below the SLC frost line (approximately 30 inches below finished grade) to prevent frost-heave damage.
- Fences in a FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) may require additional floodplain review through Salt Lake City Building Services.
- Properties in a Salt Lake City locally designated historic district (such as the Avenues, Capitol Hill, or Marmalade neighborhoods) may require review or approval from the SLC Historic Landmark Commission before construction.
- Fence posts and footings may not be placed within drainage, utility, or access easements recorded on the property plat.
- HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) may impose stricter height, material, or design requirements and are enforced separately from Salt Lake City rules.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- Completed residential building permit application submitted through the Salt Lake City online permit portal at slc.gov/building-services.
- Site plan drawn to scale showing property lines, dimensions, setbacks, easements, and the proposed fence location and total length.
- Elevation drawings showing fence height, post spacing, material type, and gate locations.
- Structural details for footings and post embedment depth for fences exceeding 6 feet in height or masonry construction, including footing depth to below the 30-inch SLC frost line.
- Pool-enclosure layout and gate hardware specifications (self-latching, self-closing) if the fence serves as a swimming pool barrier under 2021 Utah Residential Code Section R326.
- Property survey or recorded plat if the fence is near a shared property line, drainage easement, or utility easement.
- Historic Landmark Commission review or approval documentation if the property is in a SLC locally designated historic district.
- Homeowner authorization if a contractor files the permit application on the owner's behalf.
- HOA approval documentation if required by subdivision CC&Rs.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
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Determine whether your fence requires a permit The 2021 Utah Residential Code exempts standard fences 6 feet and under in height from the building permit requirement. A permit IS required for fences over 6 feet, masonry or concrete walls of any height, and any pool barrier fence. Confirm your fence height and material before deciding whether to apply.
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Check SLC zoning height limits and overlay requirements Even if your fence does not require a building permit, it must comply with Salt Lake City zoning standards. Front-yard fences in most residential districts are limited to 4 feet; rear and side yard fences are generally limited to 6 feet without a permit. If your property is in a historic district overlay, contact the SLC Historic Landmark Commission before starting work.
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Check for flood zone and easement restrictions Verify if your property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or SLC Building Services. Review your recorded plat for drainage, utility, and access easements — fence posts cannot be placed within easements.
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Plan for frost-depth requirements For any fence requiring a permit — including fences over 6 feet and masonry walls — footing bottoms must bear at or below the SLC frost line (approximately 30 inches below finished grade) to prevent frost-heave. Structural drawings must explicitly show footing depth.
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Prepare your site plan and drawings Draw a scaled site plan showing property lines, setbacks, the proposed fence line, and all gate locations. Include an elevation showing fence height, material, and post spacing. Masonry walls and fences over 6 feet require structural footing details showing compliance with the 30-inch frost depth.
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Submit through the SLC permit portal Create or log in to an account at Salt Lake City's online permitting system at slc.gov/building-services. Select the appropriate residential building permit type, upload all required documents, and pay the application fee. In-person service is available at SLC Building Services, 451 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT.
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Respond to plan review comments Salt Lake City Building Services reviewers check the submittal against the 2021 Utah Residential Code and SLC zoning ordinances. Revise and resubmit through the portal if corrections are requested.
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Receive permit and begin construction Once the permit is issued, download and keep a copy accessible at the job site. Do not begin permitted construction before the permit is in hand.
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Schedule required inspections Request inspections through the SLC permit portal. Masonry walls and pool-barrier fences require a footing inspection before pouring concrete and a final inspection when the fence is complete. The footing inspection is critical for verifying frost-depth compliance.
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Close out the permit After the final inspection passes, the permit is closed. Retain all documentation — it supports insurance claims, title review, and future resale.
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Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-29.
2021 Utah Residential Code (Utah adoption of the 2021 International Residential Code with Utah state amendments) Section R105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit) and Section R326 (Pools and Permanent Spas), as administered by Salt Lake City Building Services. SLC zoning ordinance governs fence height by district.
Residential permit page: https://www.slc.gov/building-services/
If you skip the permit
- Salt Lake City Building Services can issue a stop-work order if fence construction requiring a permit is discovered without one.
- The city may require partial or full removal of completed work for inspection, including exposing footing depths and structural embedment.
- Civil penalties and fees can accrue until the violation is resolved through an after-the-fact permit or removal.
- Pool barriers that do not meet Utah Residential Code Section R326 requirements create serious safety and liability risks — non-compliant pool enclosures expose homeowners to liability in the event of accidental drowning.
- Fence footings installed above the frost line without a permit may experience frost-heave damage and will fail inspection if discovered after the fact.
- Fences in setbacks, easements, or flood zones without proper approvals can become deal-breakers during a real estate transaction.
- Historic district violations can result in required remediation from the SLC Historic Landmark Commission.
- HOA violations for non-compliant fence height, materials, or design can result in fines or court-ordered removal independent of city enforcement.
FAQ
Common Salt Lake City fence permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Salt Lake City, UT?
It depends on the height and material. The 2021 Utah Residential Code exempts standard fences 6 feet and under from the building permit requirement. A permit IS required for any fence over 6 feet, any masonry or concrete block wall of any height, and any pool barrier fence. Your fence must also comply with Salt Lake City's zoning ordinance regardless of whether a permit is required.
What is the maximum fence height allowed in Salt Lake City without a permit?
Standard wood, vinyl, chain-link, or metal fences up to 6 feet in rear or side yards are generally exempt from Salt Lake City's building permit requirement under the 2021 Utah Residential Code. Front yard fences in most residential districts are limited to 4 feet by SLC zoning. Exceeding these heights requires a building permit.
Why does frost depth matter for a Salt Lake City fence permit?
SLC's frost line is approximately 30 inches below finished grade. Any fence requiring a permit — including fences over 6 feet and masonry walls — must have footing bottoms at or below this depth to prevent frost-heave from lifting or tilting the fence over winter. Footing depth will be verified during the footing inspection before concrete is poured.
Do masonry fences always require a permit in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Masonry and concrete block fences and walls require a building permit from SLC Building Services regardless of height, because they involve structural footings requiring plan review, footing inspections, and compliance with the 30-inch SLC frost depth.
Does a pool fence require a permit in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Any fence serving as a swimming pool barrier must comply with 2021 Utah Residential Code Section R326 pool enclosure requirements and requires a building permit. The barrier must completely enclose the pool, be at least 48 inches tall, and have self-closing, self-latching gates. Pool barriers are a life-safety requirement enforced through the permit and inspection process.
How much does a fence permit cost in Salt Lake City?
When a permit is required, Salt Lake City Building Services calculates fees based on declared construction valuation. Expect roughly $75–$275 in permit fees for a typical residential fence over 6 feet or masonry wall. Standard fences 6 feet and under are exempt from the permit requirement and incur no city permit fee. Verify current amounts at slc.gov/building-services.
I live in a Salt Lake City historic district — what extra steps do I need for a fence?
Properties in SLC's locally designated historic districts (such as the Avenues, Capitol Hill, or Marmalade neighborhoods) may require review or approval from the SLC Historic Landmark Commission before constructing a fence. Contact SLC Building Services or the Historic Landmark Commission at slc.gov/building-services before submitting your permit application.
Can I build a fence in a drainage or utility easement in Salt Lake City?
No. Fence posts cannot be placed within drainage, utility, or access easements recorded on your property plat. Review your recorded plat through the Salt Lake County Recorder and consult your property survey to confirm easement boundaries before placing any fence posts.
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Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with Salt Lake City permitting staff before you build.