The fast-growing towns of southwest Weld County share a lot: new subdivisions, open lots, wind, and plenty of homeowners putting up their first fence. Their fence rules are not the same, though. One town may exempt a 6-foot backyard fence from permits while the next town over requires a permit for every new fence. This guide summarizes what Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, Mead, and Fort Lupton publish, with links to each town's official page.

Rules change, and the details depend on your zoning and lot. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with the town before you build. Information was checked against town sources in October 2026.

Firestone

The Town of Firestone's building division lists fence construction among the projects that need a building permit, and the town's fee schedule includes a residential fence permit. The property owner is responsible for making sure the permit is in place, even when a contractor applies for it, and contractors must hold a Firestone contractor license. Any work on town property, right-of-way, or easements needs a separate right-of-way permit. See fence installation in Firestone.

Frederick

The Town of Frederick's home improvement permit page lists fences not over 6 feet high among the projects that do not need a building permit. Fences still have to meet the town's land use code, and the town's fence materials and design brochure explains the details:

  • Chain-link fencing is prohibited, along with barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences.
  • Allowed materials include treated wood, decorative metal, and masonry walls.
  • Solid fences taller than 30 inches are not allowed in sight-distance triangles at corners.
  • Fences must be designed to meet the wind criteria of the adopted building code.

Check the brochure for front-yard height and openness rules that apply to your lot. See fence installation in Frederick.

Dacono

The City of Dacono's fence permit page is one of the clearest in the area:

  • A fence permit is required to build or rebuild any fence or retaining wall, in any zone. Fences over 6 feet fall under a separate building permit.
  • Front-yard fences are limited to 42 inches and must be at least 50 percent open.
  • Back-yard fences may be up to 6 feet.
  • Fences may not sit in platted or recorded easements, except along rear lot lines unless the plat says otherwise.
  • Barbed wire and electric fences are not permitted.

See fence installation in Dacono.

Mead

The Town of Mead's permit types page says a fence permit is not required for fences 6 feet or less. Routine upkeep, such as restaining or replacing pickets or hardware, does not need a permit as long as the fence type, height, and location stay the same. Front-yard and corner-lot limits still apply, so check the town's land use code for your lot. See fence installation in Mead.

Fort Lupton

The City of Fort Lupton's permit Q&A and site design standards say:

  • A permit is required for a new fence or for replacing more than half of an existing fence.
  • Residential front-yard fences are limited to 3 feet if solid or 4 feet if at least 50 percent open.
  • Side and rear fences behind the front building line may be up to 6 feet.
  • Chain link is not allowed for front fences, and fences must stay out of sight-distance triangles and drainage paths.
  • The city does not enforce HOA or metro district rules, so owners must check those separately.

See fence installation in Fort Lupton.

HOAs and metro districts in new subdivisions

Many newer neighborhoods in these towns have an HOA or metro district with its own fence standards, often covering style, stain color, and fences along open space. A town permit, or a town exemption, does not mean the HOA has approved your fence. Our HOA fence approval guide explains how to get through architectural review.

Before any digging

  • Confirm the property line with your survey or improvement location certificate.
  • Request a Colorado 811 locate, and mark private irrigation and lighting lines separately.
  • Check your plat for drainage and utility easements, which are common along rear and side lot lines in new subdivisions.
  • Plan for wind on open lots; see our Colorado fence durability guide.

Let us handle the details

Blue Squirrel plans every fence installation around the rules for the address, from front-yard limits to banned materials and easements. This article is general information, not legal or code advice; always confirm current requirements with the town. Request an estimate to get started.