Find a trusted fence company in Coeur d'Alene, ID
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Coeur d'Alene is on the north shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, about 30 miles east of Spokane, Washington, and is the largest city in North Idaho.
Fence services in Coeur d'Alene
What to know before you hire in Coeur d'Alene
Permit: The city's fence guide says no building permit is needed for a fence 6 feet tall or shorter. Fences and walls over 6 feet must meet the adopted building code, so call the city first. Barbed or electric wire along a street needs city council approval.
- On a home lot in any zoning district, fences, walls and hedges can be up to 6 ft high on or within the rear and side yard property lines and the front yard setback line.
- In the required front yard, fences, walls and hedges can be up to 4 ft high.
- A fence up to 10 ft may be allowed with a special use permit when the home lot backs onto a commercial or manufacturing use, or onto an interstate freeway.
- Fences and walls over 6 ft high must meet the adopted building code and other city rules.
- Corner lots have a vision triangle. Measure 40 ft along each roadway from where the road edges meet, and join the two points. A fence, wall or hedge between 3 ft and 8 ft high inside that triangle is not allowed if the city engineer finds it a traffic hazard.
- Fence height is measured from the top of the fence to the finished grade next to it. If the fence sits on a mound, the mound counts toward the height.
- Any fence material commonly used in construction is allowed if it is sturdy enough under other city rules.
- A pool must be enclosed by buildings, fences or walls that meet the adopted building code.
- Barbed or electrified wire along any street, alley, highway or road is banned unless the city council approves it as safe. This comes from the city's fence guide.
- The city does not review or enforce HOA rules (CC&Rs). Owners must check their HOA before building.
What holds up in Coeur d'Alene
North Idaho has cold, snowy winters. The city's design criteria list a 24 inch minimum frost depth and a 60 pounds per square foot ground snow load.
- Wood privacy fence. A 6 ft wood fence fits the side and rear limit and is common for yard privacy.
- Vinyl privacy fence. Vinyl does not need annual sealing through snowy winters.
- Chain link fence. A low-cost option for large lots, pets and kids.
- Aluminum or wrought iron fence. Open styles keep views of the lake and mountains and can work in a 4 ft front yard.
- Split rail fence. Fits rural lots and keeps the vision triangle clear on corners.
Questions Coeur d'Alene homeowners ask
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Coeur d'Alene?
Not for a fence 6 feet tall or shorter, per the city's fence guide. Taller fences must meet the building code, and up to 10 feet may need a special use permit in some cases. Call Planning first.
How tall can my fence be in the front yard?
Up to 4 feet in the required front yard. Rear and side yards allow 6 feet, and 6 feet is also allowed at the front yard setback line.
What is the vision triangle on a corner lot?
Measure 40 feet along each road from where the road edges meet and join the two points. Inside that triangle, a fence, wall or hedge between 3 and 8 feet high is not allowed if the city engineer finds it a traffic hazard, so keep it low.
Can I use barbed wire or an electric fence?
Not along a street, alley, highway or road, unless the city council approves it as safe. Check with the Planning Department.
How deep should fence posts go here?
The city's frost depth is 24 inches minimum. Posts that hold weight or sit in a gate line often go deeper. Your installer will set depth for your soil.
Does the city check my HOA rules?
No. The city does not review or enforce HOA rules. Get HOA approval on your own before you build.
Who do I call before digging post holes?
Call 811. In Kootenai County that reaches Dig Safe North Idaho 811. Ask for locates at least 2 full business days before you dig.
Areas we serve
Coeur d'Alene and nearby: Post Falls, Hayden, Dalton Gardens, Rathdrum, Hauser. See the service area