Fence Regulations

Ordinances governing fences can be found in Section 23.037 of the City of Grants Pass Development Code (PDF). Permits are not required for fences in residential zones and must meet the regulations below. If you are considering installing a fence on a common property line please make contact with your neighbor for cooperation on the construction of the fence. In some cases, it may be necessary to have your property surveyed by a licensed surveyor to positively identify and mark your property lines to avoid dispute. The City of Grants Pass does not mediate disagreements between owners of private property.

Fences in Residential Zones

• Maximum height within the required front and exterior yards is 4 feet (except decorative arbors, gates, and similar features). A fence up to 4’ 6" in height may be placed a minimum of five feet from the front property line.
• Maximum height within the required exterior yard: 6 feet with a 3-foot setback from the exterior property line. Three-foot setback area must be maintained with trees, shrubs, or living ground cover.
• Maximum height within required interior yards is 6 feet.
• The use of barbed wire or razor fences are prohibited in the residential zones.
• Requirements for fencing in all zones shall also apply.
• Property owners are strongly encouraged to hire a licensed surveyor to locate property lines before constructing a fence.

Fences in Commercial Zone

• Any fence over 3 feet high shall be located behind any required landscaped front or exterior side / rear yard.
• Maximum height within required interior yards is 8 feet.
• Razor wire, barbed wire, and chain link fencing shall not be used between a building face and public right-of-way. Treatments such as decorative wrought iron should be used instead. See Section 20.490 (2) of the Development Code (PDF).
• Requirements for fencing in all zones shall also apply.

Fences in Industrial Zones

Any fence over 3 feet high shall be located behind any required landscaped front or exterior side/rear yard. Maximum height in interior yards: 8 feet. Depending on use and location, razor wire, barbed wire, and chain link fencing may not be permitted between a building face and public right-of-way. Refer to Section 20.220 of the Development Code (PDF) for the applicability of Commercial Design Standards to industrial zones.

Requirement for Fences in All Zones

• A fence meeting required building setbacks shall not exceed the maximum height for structures in that zone.
• Where permitted, a fence over 6 feet high requires a building permit as required by the applicable Building Code.
• A fence with a height of up to 6 feet is permitted along a property line abutting an alley and within the alley setback unless such a fence creates a visual obstruction.
• No fencing shall conflict with the requirements of the clear vision area for streets and driveways. Fencing within a vision clearance area shall not create a visual obstruction as defined in Article 30 of the Development Code (PDF).
• Fencing within the public right-of-way is permitted only upon issuance of a valid Encroachment Permit (PDF) by the City Engineer.
• Fencing within a City Utility Easement (CUE) or other public easement is permitted only upon approval by the City Engineer.
• In cases where Code provisions conflict, structures required as part of a zone buffer shall be subject to the applicable provision within Section 23.034 of the Development Code rather than the conflicting provision within this section.
• Every fence shall be maintained in a condition of reasonable repair and not be allowed to become or remain in a condition of disrepair including noticeable leaning or missing sections, broken supports, non-uniform height, and growing or noxious vegetation.
• Link fencing less than seven feet in height shall be constructed in such a manner that no barbed ends shall be at the top.
• Barbed wire and razor wire fences are prohibited in the following locations: at less than 6 feet above grade, within required zone buffer setbacks, and within the public right-of-way.
• Electric fences are prohibited.

A fence height shall be measured from the top of the fence to the lowest grade at the base of the fence. When a fence is located on top of a retaining wall, the height of the retaining wall shall not be included in the height measurement of the fence.