How Citrus Heights Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide

Citrus Heights maintains 113 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Citrus Heights falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Height Limits

Citrus Heights limits fences to 3.5 feet in front yard setback areas and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Fences above 6 feet require a building permit and may require zoning approval. Maximum residential fence height with permit is typically 7 to 8 feet depending on zoning.

Key details: Front Yard Max: 3.5 feet. Side/Rear Max: 6 feet no permit. With Permit: Up to 7-8 feet. Corner Triangle: 3 ft max. Pool Min: 60 inches (5 ft).

Over-height fence: abatement notice requiring removal or reduction within 30 days, plus $100-$500 citation if ignored.

Permit Requirements

Citrus Heights does not require a permit for residential fences 6 feet or under in side and rear yards. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, and pool barriers require building permits. Permit fees typically run $100-$300 depending on fence length and type.

Key details: Under 6 ft: No permit. Over 6 ft: Building permit. Retaining Wall: Permit over 4 ft. Pool Fence: Permit + inspection. Typical Fee: $100-$300.

No permit when required: double permit fee plus $200+ citation. Stop work order if construction in progress.

Neighbor Fence Rules

California Civil Code §841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013, governs boundary fences in Citrus Heights. Adjoining landowners are presumed equally responsible for reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or replacement of boundary fences. Written 30-day notice is required before construction.

Key details: State Law: Civil Code §841. Cost Split: 50/50 presumption. Notice: 30 days written. Spite Fence: CC §841.4 over 10 ft. Court: Sac Small Claims.

Civil matter. Neighbor may sue for half the fence cost if notice procedures followed. Spite fence remedies: removal order + damages.

Pool Barriers

All swimming pools in Citrus Heights must have a barrier at least 60 inches (5 feet) high with self-closing, self-latching gates. California Health & Safety Code §115920-115929 requires pools built after 2007 to have at least 2 of 7 approved safety features. Barriers are inspected at pool permit final.

Key details: Min Height: 60 inches (5 ft). Bottom Gap: Max 2 inches. Opening Max: 4 inches. Gate: Self-close, self-latch. Features Needed: 2 of 7 post-2007.

Non-compliant barrier: abatement order, $500 to $1,000 fine, and potential liability for child drowning/injury.

This is one of the stricter rules in Citrus Heights's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Material Restrictions

Citrus Heights allows most standard fence materials including wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, masonry block, and composite. Barbed wire and electric fences are restricted in residential zones. Front yard fences must be decorative materials; chain link is typically prohibited in front yards.

Key details: Front Yard: Decorative only. Chain Link: Rear/side OK. Barbed Wire: Prohibited residential. Electric: Permit required. HOA: May restrict further.

Prohibited material in wrong zone: abatement order plus $100-$500 fine for noncompliance.

Citrus Heights is more permissive than most cities when it comes to material restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Fence Requirements

Citrus Heights requires a clear sight triangle at corner lots and driveway approaches. The typical standard is a 25-foot by 25-foot triangle measured from the curb face intersection, within which fences, walls, and vegetation must not exceed 3 feet in height.

Key details: Triangle Size: 25 ft x 25 ft typical. Max Height: 3 feet. Trees: OK if canopy above 7 ft. Driveway Triangle: 10 ft x 10 ft. Abatement: City can remove at cost.

Sight obstruction: 10-day abatement notice, then city abatement at owner cost plus $250+ administrative fee. Liability exposure if accident occurs.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Citrus Heights actively enforces its fence requirements requirements.

The Bottom Line

Citrus Heights is tougher than many cities when it comes to fence regulations. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Citrus Heights, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Citrus Heights's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.