Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026
The Short Answer
Fences under 6 feet in rear or side yards are permit-exempt in Kearns. Any fence in a front yard, masonry over 4 feet, or pool barrier requires a permit—even if under 6 feet.
Kearns falls within unincorporated Salt Lake County territory governed by Salt Lake County Code Title 17 (Land Use), but Kearns has adopted its own municipal code that imposes stricter setback and sight-triangle rules for corner lots and front-yard fences than many neighboring Salt Lake Valley communities. Specifically, Kearns requires front-yard fences to clear sight-distance easements on corner properties—a rule that can disqualify a 6-foot fence on a corner lot where the setback intrudes into the sight triangle, even though the height alone would be exempt. Additionally, Kearns sits on expansive lake-bed clay soils with a 30- to 48-inch frost depth, which means any masonry fence over 4 feet must include a footing detail below frost depth and engineer certification if over 8 feet—costs that bump a 'simple' masonry job from under-$100-permit into a $500+ engineering gate. The city accepts most fence permits over the counter for standard wood/vinyl/chain-link under 6 feet, with same-day or next-day approval if the site plan includes property-line calls and no corner-lot conflict. Pool barrier fences (any height) require self-closing/self-latching gate certification and a separate inspection before use, per Utah Code Title 26 regulations—this is the one permit category where Kearns will not grant final approval without signed gate hardware specs.

What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)

Kearns fence permits—the key details

In Kearns, the primary gating factor is location and height combined. Per Kearns City Code Section 17.4.8 (Fencing and Walls), any fence under 6 feet in height located in a rear yard or interior side yard on a non-corner lot is exempt from permitting. Wood, vinyl, composite, and chain-link materials all qualify for this exemption if they meet the height and location criteria. However, the word 'location' carries weight here: Kearns defines a front yard as the area between the principal building line and the front property line, measured perpendicular to the street. On a corner lot, 'front' means both the primary street-facing side AND the secondary street-facing side, and both front yards are subject to sight-distance triangles under Section 17.2.3. This means a homeowner on a corner lot in Kearns must verify that their proposed fence line does not intrude into the sight-distance easement—typically a 30-foot or 35-foot radius from the corner, depending on street classification. If it does, no amount of claiming 'under 6 feet' will exempt it; a permit is required, and the permit will be denied unless the fence is moved or the height is reduced. The city's Engineering Department maintains a GIS sight-line overlay that staff can pull in about 48 hours; request this early if you're on a corner lot.

Masonry and composite masonry fences (stone, brick, concrete block, or decorative CMU) face different rules: any masonry fence over 4 feet in height requires a permit, period, regardless of location or yard type. This is because masonry is considered a structural element under IBC Section 3109 (Exterior Walls). In Kearns' frost zone (30–48 inches, per the National Frost Depth Map and local Soil Conservation Service data), any masonry footing must extend below the frost line and rest on compacted, well-drained soil. If the site has expansive clay—common in Kearns due to ancient Lake Bonneville sediment—the engineer may require 6 to 12 inches of sand or gravel beneath the footing as a capillary break. For a masonry fence over 8 feet, the city requires a sealed engineer's letter confirming the design meets IRC R403.1 (Foundation and Soils) and provides adequate lateral bracing. This can add $800–$1,500 in design fees alone. Once plans are submitted, the city will schedule a footing inspection before backfill, and a final inspection before the fence is deemed complete. Typical timeline for a permitted masonry fence is 2–4 weeks.

Pool barrier fences are the strictest category in Kearns. Under Utah Code Title 26, Chapter 39, any fence serving as a safety barrier for a swimming pool (in-ground, above-ground, or hot tub) must be at least 4 feet high, have no gaps larger than 4 inches, and be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching gate that swings away from the pool and latches from outside the enclosure. Kearns requires a permit for the pool barrier itself (separate from any general fence permit), and the permit application must include hardware specifications with the manufacturer's name, model number, and proof of compliance with ASTM F1696 (Self-Latching Hinges for Residential Flat Gates). Common rejections: submitting a permit without the gate-hardware spec, or trying to use an 'aftermarket' latch that the city cannot verify. The city will not issue a final approval until a Building Inspector has visually confirmed the gate operation, typically a 15-minute visit. If your pool fence is both a pool barrier AND a general boundary fence (e.g., a 6-foot chain-link around the whole yard with the pool on one side), you can file a single permit that covers both, but the entire perimeter must meet the 4-foot minimum and the gate specs—there's no 'mixing' a non-barrier fence with a barrier fence on the same permit.

Replacement-in-kind fences sometimes trigger a reduced or exempt pathway in other Utah cities, but Kearns does NOT offer a true 'replace like-for-like' exemption. If you are removing an old fence and building a new one in the same location with the same material and height, you still need a permit if the original fence would require one today. However, if the old fence was built without a permit and is now over 20 years old, Kearns' code enforcement may treat it as a 'legal nonconforming use' and allow you to replace it at its original height without a new permit—but you must request a Legal Nonconforming Certificate from the Building Department before you proceed, and the city will verify the original fence was indeed built that long ago (property records, aerial photos). This process takes 2–3 weeks and costs nothing, but it's not automatic. Do not assume your 1995 fence is 'grandfathered'; ask first.

Owner-builders in Kearns can pull fence permits for owner-occupied residential properties—you do not need to hire a licensed contractor. The application requires your name, address, property ID, a site plan showing the fence line relative to property corners and the principal building, and for anything over 6 feet or masonry, detail drawings (hand-sketch is fine for wood/vinyl, but masonry requires formal engineering). The city's intake staff will perform a 5-minute screen: they'll verify property ownership, check the GIS for overlays (floodplain, easements, sight-distance), and confirm there are no recent violations on the parcel. If the project clears the screen and has no sight-line conflict, you'll get an over-the-counter approval the same day or next business day, with a permit fee of $50–$100 for standard wood/vinyl under 6 feet. For masonry or anything over 6 feet, expect 1–2 weeks of plan review, and a fee of $150–$250. Inspections are final-only for most fences; a footing inspection is required only if the fence is masonry over 4 feet. Once the fence is built, call the city to schedule the final inspection—turnaround is typically 3–5 business days.

Three Kearns fence (wood/vinyl/metal/chain-link) scenarios

Scenario A
6-foot vinyl privacy fence, rear yard, non-corner lot, suburban Kearns (South Kearns neighborhood)
You own a 0.25-acre lot in a typical South Kearns subdivision, with the house set back about 25 feet from the street and a large open backyard bordered by open space or green belt. You want to install a 6-foot white vinyl privacy fence along the rear property line to screen the yard from a drainage corridor behind. Because the fence is exactly 6 feet (not over 6 feet) and is located entirely in the rear yard on a non-corner lot, it is exempt from permitting under Kearns City Code Section 17.4.8. You can purchase the materials, hire a contractor or DIY, and install the fence without any city involvement. No permit needed, no fees, no inspection. However, before you dig, call 811 for utility locates (free, mandatory in Utah) to confirm no buried gas, water, electric, or telecom lines run along the property line. If you hit a utility, you're liable for repair costs ($5,000–$50,000 for a natural gas line rupture). The vinyl fence will cost roughly $4,000–$8,000 installed depending on linear footage (a typical 150-foot rear line runs 4,000–6,000 USD); no permit fees, no design review, no inspection. You are responsible for confirming with your HOA (if applicable) that vinyl is approved; most Kearns subdivisions allow vinyl in rear yards but have restrictions on front-yard materials.
No permit required (6 ft or less, rear yard) | 811 locates mandatory ($0, online request) | Vinyl privacy panels $30–$50/ft material | Installation $40–$60/ft labor | Total project $4,000–$8,000 | Zero permit fees
Scenario B
5-foot masonry (stacked stone) fence, front yard, corner lot, Kearns central (Kearns-Bluffdale border neighborhood)
You live on a corner lot in central Kearns where two residential streets meet, and you want to install a 5-foot stacked-stone aesthetic fence along the front property line facing the secondary street, creating a privacy screen from a neighboring development. Even though 5 feet is below the 6-foot typical height limit, the fence is masonry and over 4 feet high, so it requires a permit under IBC 3109. Additionally, because the property is a corner lot, the fence location must clear the sight-distance triangle. Kearns' sight-distance requirements for residential corner lots (Section 17.2.3) mandate a 30-foot radius clear zone from the corner intersection; depending on where the corner of your lot is relative to the street intersection, your 5-foot stone fence may intrude into this zone and further restrict the maximum allowable height or require a waiver. Step 1: Submit a permit application with a site plan showing the property lines, the principal building, the corner intersection, and the proposed fence line marked in red. The site plan does NOT need to be CAD-drawn; a hand sketch with measurements will suffice. Step 2: Include detail drawings of the fence cross-section (width, height, footing depth, material) and a note that it is stacked stone (no mortar or mortar, and whether it's wet-set or dry-stacked). Step 3: If the fence is dry-stacked stone without mortar, the city may treat it as a 'fence' under zoning and not require engineering, but will require a footing detail showing at least 30 inches deep (below frost depth) with a compacted 4-inch gravel base. If the stone is mortared (structural masonry), you MUST provide a sealed engineer's letter confirming IRC R403 compliance and adequate bearing capacity. Step 4: Expect the city to schedule a pre-construction meeting with Engineering (1–2 weeks) to confirm sight-distance clearance. If the fence intrudes into the sight triangle, you'll be told to either move it back, reduce height to 3 feet or less, or apply for a sight-distance variance (rare, granted only if the intersection has low traffic or existing vegetation clears sight lines). Step 5: Once the permit is approved, you'll receive a footing inspection notice and must call the city before you backfill. Final inspection happens after construction. Total timeline: 3–5 weeks. Permit fee: $150–$200 (flat fee or calculated at roughly $1–$2 per linear foot, depending on city policy that year). Engineering fee (if required): $500–$1,200.
Permit required (masonry over 4 ft) | Sight-line review required (corner lot) | Engineer letter required if mortared stone ($500–$1,200) | Footing inspection before backfill (city-scheduled) | Permit fee $150–$200 | Total project cost $6,000–$15,000 | Timeline 3–5 weeks
Scenario C
4-foot chain-link pool barrier fence around in-ground pool, any yard location, Kearns (typical subdivision)
You have an in-ground swimming pool in your backyard and need to enclose it with a safety fence to comply with Utah Code Title 26, Chapter 39 (Residential Swimming Pool Barriers). You plan to install a 4-foot galvanized chain-link fence around the pool with one access gate. This requires a permit no matter what—there is no exemption for pool barriers based on height or location. The application differs from a standard fence: instead of just a site plan and fence sketch, you must include specific gate hardware documentation. Step 1: Get the hardware spec sheet for a self-closing, self-latching hinge gate that meets ASTM F1696. Common products: Mighty Mule brand self-latching hinges, Ideal Security self-closing gate latches, or equivalent—must have a pull handle on the outside that a child cannot operate without deliberate effort, and the gate must swing away from the pool (toward the inside of your property, not toward the pool). Step 2: Submit the permit with the hardware product name, model number, and installation detail (mounting height, spacing of hinges). Step 3: Kearns will review the spec for compliance; if it's a recognized ASTM-compliant product, approval is usually same-day. If you submit a generic 'self-latching latch' without a model number, the city will request a product data sheet and the review will add 3–5 days. Step 4: Once the permit is approved, you can build the fence. Before final approval, you MUST schedule a pool barrier inspection (separate from final fence inspection). A city inspector will visit, test the gate operation (open and close it at least 3 times to confirm the latch holds and the gate swings closed on its own), and verify the fence height and material. The inspection typically takes 20 minutes. Step 5: No timeline extension if the gate is compliant; permit fee is $75–$150. If the gate hardware is non-compliant or missing, the city will issue a 'deficient' notice and you'll have 30 days to correct it before re-inspection (no additional permit fee, but you'll lose time).
Permit required (pool barrier, any height) | ASTM F1696 self-latching gate hardware required | Gate hardware spec sheet (product name/model) must be submitted | Final inspection includes gate operation test | Permit fee $75–$150 | No footing inspection (chain-link non-structural) | Timeline 1–3 weeks | Total project cost $3,000–$8,000

Every project is different.

Get your exact answer →
Takes 60 seconds · Personalized to your address

Kearns soil, frost, and the masonry-fence cost trap

Kearns sits on ancient Lake Bonneville lake-bed sediments, primarily fine silt and clay with high expansivity—the same soil that causes foundation problems in many Wasatch Valley homes. The frost depth in Kearns ranges from 30 inches in the lower valleys to 48 inches in the foothills; the Utah State Climatologist and the USDA Soil Conservation Service (now NRCS) peg Kearns at Climate Zone 5B to 6B depending on elevation. This matters enormously for masonry fence footings. A wood or vinyl fence over 6 feet might be exempt from a footing detail (depends on local code and soil boring), but a masonry fence over 4 feet must have a footing below the frost depth. On Kearns' expansive clay, the footing must sit on a layer of sand or gravel (4–6 inches minimum) as a capillary break, separating the clay from the concrete or brick. If you skip this, frost heave in winter can jack the footing up 1–3 inches, and the next summer's drying clay can settle it back down unevenly, cracking the mortar and loosening the masonry. A homeowner who puts in a nice $10,000 masonry fence without proper footing details can watch it destabilize within 3–5 years. The city's engineering staff will catch this at plan review; they will reject any masonry fence design that doesn't show a proper capillary break and frost-depth footing. If you're a contractor or homeowner planning a masonry fence in Kearns, budget 20–30% extra for footing detail design and soil prep: that's $1,500–$3,000 on a 100-foot fence.

Sight-distance rules on Kearns corner lots and why they bite harder than neighboring cities

Kearns' zoning code (Title 17.2.3) applies sight-distance triangles to corner lots with the intent of keeping pedestrian and vehicular sight lines clear at intersections. The radius varies by street type: 30 feet for residential-to-residential corners, 35–40 feet for residential-to-collector-street corners. Many neighboring Salt Lake Valley cities (South Jordan, Bluffdale, West Jordan) use the same or similar rules, but Kearns applies the rule strictly and does not grant variances easily. In neighboring cities, you might get away with a waiver if you show that vegetation or existing structures already block sight lines. In Kearns, the city's approach is more rigid: the GIS sight-distance polygon is computed based on street geometry, not on-site conditions, and the city will require you to comply with the polygon even if trees or utility boxes already block the view. This means a 6-foot fence that would be permit-exempt in a neighboring city on the same street type may require a permit in Kearns, a height reduction, or relocation to clear the zone. If you're on a corner lot in Kearns, the first call should be to the Building Department to confirm whether your proposed fence line is in the sight triangle; if it is, ask whether you can obtain a sight-distance variance or if you must reduce height. The variance process (Utah Code Title 11, Local Land Use Compatibility Act) typically takes 6–8 weeks and costs $300–$500 in application and public-notice fees. It's not worth the expense unless the fence is really important to you.

City of Kearns Building Department
Kearns City Hall, 5841 South Redwood Road, Kearns, UT 84118
Phone: (385) 468-7700 or local non-emergency number | https://www.cityofkearns.gov (search 'building permits' or 'permit portal')
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed holidays; check website for holiday closures)

Common questions

Do I need a permit to replace an existing fence in Kearns?

Not automatically. If the old fence was built legally (with a permit if required) and you are replacing it with the same material, height, and location, you may not need a new permit—but you must request a 'Legal Nonconforming Use' determination from the Building Department first. They will research the property record and advise whether the original fence is 'grandfathered.' This process takes 2–3 weeks. If the old fence was built without a permit, or if you want to change the height or material, a new permit is required.

How deep does a fence footing have to be in Kearns?

For masonry fences, the footing must extend below the frost depth, which is 30–48 inches in Kearns depending on elevation. Wood or vinyl fence posts must be set at least 24–30 inches deep and on compacted soil or gravel, but no formal footing engineering is required. Chain-link can use concrete footings as shallow as 18 inches if the post is in a concrete pier, or up to 30 inches for optimal stability. Always call 811 for utility locates before digging; hitting a buried line can cost thousands.

What is the maximum fence height in front yards in Kearns?

In a true front yard (between the principal building line and the front property line), the maximum height is typically 4 feet for residential zoning in Kearns. On a corner lot, the height limit in the sight-distance triangle may be even lower (3 feet or less). If you want to place a 6-foot privacy fence in a front yard, you will need a variance, which is rarely granted. Check with the city's Planning Division if you have questions about your specific property.

Does my HOA approval count as the city permit in Kearns?

No. HOA approval and city permits are completely separate. Most Kearns subdivisions require HOA architectural review before you build ANY fence, and HOA approval can take 1–3 weeks (and can be denied on design or materials). You must get HOA approval first, then file for the city permit. The city will not issue a permit if your property is subject to deed restrictions; you are responsible for confirming HOA compliance before applying.

Can I pull my own fence permit in Kearns, or do I need a licensed contractor?

You can pull your own permit if the property is owner-occupied and you are the property owner. No contractor license is required. However, if the fence is masonry over 4 feet, you will need a sealed engineer's letter, which must come from a licensed professional engineer in Utah. For design and construction, you can DIY the work itself, but the engineer stamp on the footing design is mandatory.

How much does a fence permit cost in Kearns?

Standard fences (wood, vinyl, chain-link) under 6 feet in rear/side yards are exempt and cost nothing. Permitted fences (over 6 feet, front yard, or masonry over 4 feet) cost $50–$200, typically a flat fee or a low per-linear-foot rate ($0.50–$2/ft). Request the current fee schedule from the Building Department when you apply. Masonry fences may also require engineering fees ($500–$1,500) if the design is complex or over 8 feet high.

How long does it take to get a fence permit in Kearns?

Over-the-counter permits (standard wood/vinyl under 6 feet, rear/side yard, non-corner lot) are usually approved the same day or next business day. Permitted fences requiring plan review (over 6 feet, front yard, masonry, or corner-lot sight-line review) typically take 1–3 weeks. Pool barrier fences take 1–2 weeks if the gate hardware spec is included; longer if specs are missing.

What happens if there is a utility easement across my property where I want to build a fence?

If your property has a recorded easement for water, gas, electric, or telecom, the utility company has the right to access that easement, and building a fence across it is risky. The utility can legally remove your fence, or you may be liable for damage if they need to access the line. Before applying for a permit, review your property deed and title report for easement notations. If an easement runs along or near your fence line, contact the utility company and request written permission or easement relocation. The city will not issue a permit for a fence that blocks a recorded easement without utility sign-off.

Do I need a building permit for a small decorative fence under 3 feet?

No. Decorative fences under 3 feet high are exempt from Kearns permitting requirements, regardless of location or material. However, if the fence is in a front yard, the city's zoning rules may still apply setback restrictions. Additionally, if the fence is masonry (even under 3 feet), the city may require a simple footing detail to ensure it doesn't destabilize over time due to frost heave or soil movement. Call the Building Department if you have questions about a decorative fence in the front yard.

What is the inspection process for a fence in Kearns?

For most permitted fences, inspection is final-only: you call the city when the fence is complete, and an inspector visits to confirm the work matches the approved plans and the fence is safe and stable. For masonry fences over 4 feet, there is an additional footing inspection before backfill—the city will contact you with an inspection window when you submit the permit, you notify them when you're ready, and they verify the footing depth and soil prep. Pool barrier fences require a gate-operation test to confirm the latch is functioning. All inspections are typically scheduled within 3–5 business days of your call.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on research conducted in May 2026 using publicly available sources. Always verify current fence (wood/vinyl/metal/chain-link) permit requirements with the City of Kearns Building Department before starting your project.

Keep researching

Fence (Wood/Vinyl/Metal/Chain-Link) permits in other Utah cities
Other permits in Kearns
Fence (Wood/Vinyl/Metal/Chain-Link) permits in popular cities
Browse all

More permit guides

National guides for the most-asked homeowner permit projects. Each goes deep on code thresholds, common rejections, fees, and timeline.

Roof Replacement

Layer count, deck inspection, ice dam protection, hurricane straps.

Deck

Attached vs freestanding, footings, frost depth, ledger, height/area thresholds.

Kitchen Remodel

Plumbing, electrical, gas line, ventilation, structural changes.

Solar Panels

Structural review, electrical interconnection, fire setbacks, AHJ approval.

Fence

Height/material limits, sight triangles, pool barriers, setbacks.

HVAC

Equipment changeouts, ductwork, combustion air, ventilation, IMC sections.

Bathroom Remodel

Plumbing rough-in, ventilation, electrical (GFCI/AFCI), waterproofing.

Electrical Work

Subpermits, NEC sections, panel upgrades, GFCI/AFCI, who can pull.

Basement Finishing

Egress, ceiling height, electrical, moisture barriers, occupancy rules.

Room Addition

Foundation, footings, framing, electrical/plumbing extensions, structural.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

When permits are required, code thresholds, JADU vs ADU, electrical/plumbing/parking rules.

New Windows

Egress, header sizing, structural cuts, fire-rating, energy code.

Heat Pump

Electrical capacity, refrigerant handling, condensate, IECC compliance.

Hurricane Retrofit

Roof straps, garage door bracing, opening protection, FL OIR product approval.

Pool

Barriers, alarms, electrical bonding, plumbing, separation distances.

Fireplace & Wood Stove

Hearth, clearances, chimney, gas line work, NFPA 211.

Sump Pump

Discharge location, electrical, backup options, plumbing tie-in.

Mini-Split

Refrigerant lines, condensate, electrical disconnect, line set sleeve.