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Brighton is the Adams County seat, on US 85 and Colorado Highway 7 northeast of Denver, at about 4,987 feet elevation.
Fence services in Brighton
What to know before you hire in Brighton
Permit: Brighton's Community Development Department handles building permits and zoning review. A fence on public property or in the public right-of-way needs a permit from the City Manager. Height, setback and corner sight rules apply to every fence, and pool fences must meet the city's pool enclosure rule. Call the department before you build.
- Front yard fences (in front of the front building line, or within 3 feet of a sidewalk) can be 3 feet high if solid, or 4 feet high if at least 50% open.
- Side and rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet high when they sit behind the front building line.
- Height limits include any retaining wall or berm the fence sits on. The city Director can grant exceptions in some cases.
- Fences must sit at least 18 inches from a public right-of-way. On a side street, they must be at least 3 feet from the sidewalk unless built to the front fence height rules.
- Fences, walls and screens must stay out of the corner sight distance area, or be no more than 3 feet high there. The size of the area depends on the street speed, from 105 feet at 15 mph up to 425 feet at 50 mph, measured along the cross street.
- Where a lot backs onto a park, open space, trail or landscape tract, the fence along that line must usually be open 3-rail fencing no more than 4 feet high. Wire mesh can be added inside to keep pets in.
- Barbed wire and electric fences are allowed only for farm use in A/E and A/R districts, or for security on industrial lots. They are not allowed as ordinary house fences.
- A swimming pool must be fully enclosed by a fence at least 6 feet high with no openings a child can pass through.
- Gates and doors in a pool enclosure need self-latching devices on the top and inside.
- No swimming pool can sit in a required front yard.
- Wading pools no deeper than 14 inches do not need fencing.
- A fence on city property or right-of-way needs a permit and the City Manager reviews whether it creates a hazard.
What holds up in Brighton
Brighton is on the high plains with cold winters and hot summers. Snow, wind and freeze-thaw swings all affect a fence.
- Cedar or pine privacy fence. Wood is the common choice on the Front Range, and deep post holes help against frost heave.
- Vinyl privacy fence. Vinyl does not rot from snow melt and needs little upkeep.
- Ornamental steel or aluminum fence. Open metal fences are often used where a pool enclosure must meet the 6 foot rule.
- Pool enclosure fence. Brighton's land use code requires a fence at least 6 feet high with self-latching gates around a pool.
- Chain link fence. Chain link is the low-cost option for dog runs and back yards, where an HOA allows it.
Questions Brighton homeowners ask
Do I need a permit for a fence in Brighton?
Height, setback and sight rules apply to every fence. A fence in the public right-of-way needs a city permit. Call Community Development at 500 South 4th Avenue before you build to confirm what your fence needs.
How tall can a fence be in Brighton?
In a front yard, 3 feet if solid or 4 feet if at least 50% open. Side and rear fences behind the front building line can be 6 feet. Fences near a street corner must stay clear of the sight area or be 3 feet or lower there.
Can I build a fence right at the property line?
Yes, on a shared lot line the face of the fence must be on the line or at least 3 feet in. Fences must be at least 18 inches from a public right-of-way.
How tall must a pool fence be?
Brighton's land use code requires a pool fence at least 6 feet high, with no openings a child can pass through, and gates that latch themselves.
Can I put a fence in the public right-of-way?
Only with a permit from the City Manager, and the city reviews whether the fence creates a hazard.
Do I need to call 811 before digging post holes?
Yes. Call Colorado 811. State guidance says 2 business days, and many utilities advise 3. The call is free.
How deep do fence posts go?
Front Range frost depth is often 30 to 36 inches. Confirm with the city and your contractor, and expect deeper holes for tall privacy fences.
Does my HOA matter?
Yes. Many Brighton subdivisions have an HOA or metro district, and HOA rules can be stricter than the city's. Read your covenants first.
How much does a wood fence cost near Brighton?
Denver-area figures from 2022 were about $17 to $29 per foot installed, and prices have likely gone up. Get local quotes.
Areas we serve
Brighton and nearby: Commerce City, Thornton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Henderson, Lochbuie. See the service area