Fence installation in Salt Lake City, UT - free quotes from local pros

Salt Lake City homeowners have plenty of reasons to invest in a quality fence. Privacy from close neighbors in established neighborhoods like Sugar House and the Avenues. Containment for kids and dogs in the growing suburbs of Draper, Herriman, and South Jordan. Curb appeal in communities where a well-maintained fence is the standard.

Whatever your reason, the quality of the installation determines how your fence looks and performs for the next 15 to 25 years. We connect Salt Lake City homeowners with local fence contractors who know Wasatch Front conditions and deliver solid work.

The average SLC fence project costs $2,250 to $5,700 for a standard wood privacy fence. Get free quotes from local pros and compare before you hire.

Fence costs in Salt Lake City

Fence installation pricing in the Salt Lake City metro falls near or slightly below national averages. Here is what SLC homeowners can expect to pay.

What affects costs in Salt Lake City

Several factors specific to the SLC market influence your fence project cost:

• Soil conditions. Much of the Salt Lake Valley has clay-heavy soil that requires deeper post holes and concrete footings. Properties on the east bench and in the foothills may also encounter rock, adding to digging time and cost.
• Lot size and shape. Salt Lake City lots vary widely. Older neighborhoods like the Avenues have smaller lots, while suburban communities in the south end of the valley have larger yards requiring more linear footage.
• HOA requirements. Many SLC-area subdivisions, particularly in Draper, Herriman, Riverton, and South Jordan, have HOAs that dictate fence material, height, and color. Meeting HOA specs may limit your choices and affect pricing.
• Slope. Properties on the east bench and foothill areas often have significant grade changes. Stepped or racked fence panels for slopes add labor and material costs compared to flat installations.

How it works

Getting fence quotes in Salt Lake City is straightforward:

1. Describe your project. Tell us about your property, the type of fence you want, and your timeline.
2. Get matched with local pros. We connect you with up to three fence contractors in the Salt Lake City area.
3. Compare quotes and hire. Review estimates, ask questions, and choose the contractor that fits your budget and schedule.

There is no cost and no obligation. You are free to compare and decide on your own terms.

What to look for in a Salt Lake City fence contractor

Licensing

Utah requires fence contractors to hold an S330 Fencing specialty license through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Some contractors work under a general contractor’s B100 license instead. Either way, verify the license is active before signing a contract.

You can check license status at the Utah DOPL website. Enter the contractor’s name or license number to confirm they are in good standing.

Insurance

Your contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Utah also requires licensed contractors to maintain a surety bond. Ask for certificates of insurance and confirm they are current. This protects you if a worker is injured on your property or if the fence encroaches on a neighbor’s land.

Questions to ask

Before hiring a fence contractor in Salt Lake City, ask:

• Are you licensed with the Utah DOPL? What is your license number?
• Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?
• How many fence projects have you completed in the SLC area this year?
• What post depth and footing method do you use in our soil conditions?
• How do you handle slopes and grade changes?
• Will you handle the permit if one is required?
• What warranty do you offer on labor and materials?

Salt Lake City fencing considerations

Climate and materials

Salt Lake City sits at roughly 4,200 feet elevation with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The UV intensity at this elevation is stronger than at sea level, which means wood fences weather faster. Cedar is the best wood option for SLC because of its natural rot resistance, but it still needs staining every two to three years to maintain its appearance.

Vinyl fencing has become the dominant choice in newer Wasatch Front subdivisions because it handles the climate without any maintenance. It will not crack in winter cold or fade in summer sun.

Soil and post depth

The Salt Lake Valley’s clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry. This seasonal movement can push fence posts out of plumb if they are not properly set. Standard practice along the Wasatch Front is to set posts at least 36 inches deep in concrete footings. Some contractors go deeper (42 inches) in areas with particularly expansive clay, like parts of West Valley City and Taylorsville.

HOA and permit rules

Many SLC-area neighborhoods have active HOAs, especially in communities built since the 1990s. Common HOA restrictions include:

• Vinyl only (no wood or chain link) in some communities
• Maximum height of 6 feet for rear fences and 3 to 4 feet for side fences facing streets
• Specific color requirements (white, tan, or brown are typical)
• No fences in front yards

Salt Lake City’s zoning code also governs fence placement. Fences in front yards are generally limited to 4 feet, while rear-yard fences can be up to 6 feet. Fences on corner lots have sight-triangle restrictions to maintain visibility for traffic.

Popular fence styles in Salt Lake City

Vinyl privacy fences

Vinyl is the top choice in newer Wasatch Front subdivisions, especially in Draper, Herriman, South Jordan, and Riverton. Many HOAs in these communities require vinyl. It handles SLC’s dry summers and snowy winters without any maintenance. White and tan are the most popular colors.

Cedar privacy fences

Cedar remains the preferred wood for homeowners who want a natural look, particularly in established neighborhoods like Sugar House, the Avenues, and Federal Heights. Cedar needs staining every two to three years in SLC’s UV-intense climate. For a detailed comparison of these two options, see our vinyl vs wood fence guide.

Chain link fences

Chain link is practical for pet containment, large properties, and budget-conscious projects in the SLC area. It is especially common on larger lots in West Valley City, Taylorsville, and the south end of the valley. For more on chain link options, see our chain link fence guide.

Fence permits and regulations in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City’s zoning code governs fence placement and height. Getting your permits and HOA approvals in order before installation prevents delays and compliance issues. For a full breakdown of the permit process, see our fence permit requirements guide.

Your contractor should handle the permit application. If they do not mention permits, consider it a red flag. Read our guide to choosing a fence contractor for more on evaluating contractors.

Related services in Salt Lake City

Planning a bigger outdoor project? We also connect homeowners with contractors for:

• Concrete contractors in Salt Lake City
• Insulation contractors in Salt Lake City

A new fence paired with a concrete patio creates a complete private backyard space. Many SLC homeowners combine these projects to save on contractor mobilization costs.

Browse all fence contractors in Utah or learn more about fencing options and costs.