Windsor fence rules and permits

A plain-English guide for Windsor, Colorado homeowners. Always confirm with the city before work starts. Rules change.

Do you need a permit?

Depends. The Town of Windsor's FAQ says a fence around a house generally does not need a permit if it meets the standard fence rules. The fence must still meet the zoning district's setback, offset and height rules. Call Planning at 970-674-3490 if you are not sure.

Who to ask: Town of Windsor Planning Department, 301 Walnut Street (website)

The rules

• Fences, walls and screens cannot be taller than 6 feet unless the municipal code specifically allows it (non-industrial lots).
• No solid fence, wall or hedge over 4 feet is allowed in the front yard.
• A screen can run from each front corner of the house up to 8 feet into the front yard. After that point it cannot be taller than 4 feet.
• Chain-link fences are not allowed in the front yard.
• At street corners, keep a clear view between 3 and 8 feet high inside a triangle running 40 feet along each curb edge.
• Electric fences that can shock are against the law.
• Every fence has to follow the setback, offset and height rules of its zoning district.

HOAs

Many Windsor neighborhoods have an HOA, and the town points owners to check their HOA covenants. An HOA can set stricter fence height, style and color rules than the town.

Call before you dig

Colorado 811: dial 811. State guidance says call at least 2 business days before you dig, and many utilities advise 3 business days. The call is free.

Local conditions

Windsor has cold, dry winters, hot summers and occasional severe storms. Fences here deal with freeze and thaw, heavy snow and storm winds.

• The January average low is about 14.5 degrees and the July average high is about 86 degrees.
• Windsor averages about 47.7 inches of snow and 12.7 inches of precipitation a year.
• A tornado hit Windsor on May 22, 2008, with estimated winds of 165 mph and about $193.5 million in damage.
• Front Range frost depth is often 30 to 36 inches, so set posts deep. Ask the town or your contractor for the exact depth for your lot.
• Clay soil in northern Colorado swells when wet and shrinks when dry, so drainage near posts matters.

Good to know

• Windsor had 32,716 residents in the 2020 census.
• The Town's fence handout was updated in July 2024.
• Planning is at 301 Walnut Street, phone 970-674-3490. The permit technician is at 970-674-2436.
• The 2008 tornado injured 78 people and caused about $193.5 million in damage, from about 24,000 auto and homeowner claims.
• Windsor Lake is a small reservoir in the Weld County irrigation system, next to Boardwalk Park.
• Water Valley is a well-known Windsor neighborhood built around lakes, trails and golf, and Raindance is a large master-planned community.