How Reedley Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide

Reedley maintains 97 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Reedley falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Height Limits

RMC Chapter 10.34 sets fence height limits by yard location. Front yards are limited to lower heights; side and rear yards allow taller fences. Sight triangles capped at 3 ft.

Key details: Code: RMC Chapter 10.34. Measurement: Average ground to top (excl. posts). Sight Triangle: 3 ft max at intersections. Required Walls: Masonry for arterial street buffering.

Fences exceeding height limits are subject to code enforcement action. Property owners may be required to modify or remove noncompliant fences. Administrative citations carry fines starting at $100 with escalation for continued violations.

Material Restrictions

RMC 10.34.040 regulates fence materials. Solid masonry required for noise-buffering walls. Barbed wire restricted in residential zones. Scrap or disrepair fences are nuisances.

Key details: Code: RMC 10.34.040. Required Walls: Solid masonry where noise buffering needed. Barbed Wire: Restricted in residential zones. Nuisance Standard: RMC 4-2-3 -- no scrap or disrepair.

Fences constructed of prohibited materials are subject to code enforcement action and removal orders. Property nuisance declarations under RMC 4-2-3 for fences in disrepair carry administrative citation fines starting at $100.

Fence Requirements

RMC 10.34.050 mandates solid masonry walls where properties abut arterials and freeways. The Community Development Director sets wall specs based on noise and hazard factors.

Key details: Code: RMC Chapter 10.34. Required Walls: Masonry along arterials and freeways. Sight Triangle: 3 ft max hedges at corners. CDD Authority: Determines wall specs per use.

Noncompliant fences are subject to code enforcement citations and orders to modify or remove. Required fences that are not installed per conditions of approval may result in permit revocation or stop-work orders on associated development.

Permit Requirements

Building permits required for masonry walls and fences exceeding standard heights. Standard wood or vinyl fences at allowed heights may be exempt. Verify with the Building Division.

Key details: Building Code: RMC 9-1-1 -- adopts CBC. Required Walls: RMC 10.34.050 -- per CDD approval. Variance: RMC 10.110.030 -- application and fee. Contact: Building Division, 1733 9th St.

Fences built without required permits may be subject to stop-work orders and penalties. After-the-fact permit fees are typically double the standard fee. Noncompliant fences may need to be modified or removed.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Reedley has no local neighbor-consent fence rules. California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requires 30-day notice and equal cost sharing for boundary fences.

Key details: State Law: Civil Code 841 -- Good Neighbor Fence Act. Cost Sharing: Presumed equal for boundary fences. Notice: 30 days written notice before work. Grade Separation: Measured from highest grade (RMC 10.34.020).

Fence disputes between neighbors are civil matters handled through California Civil Code 841 and small claims court. Fences violating city height or placement standards are enforced through code enforcement citations.

Reedley is more permissive than most cities when it comes to neighbor fence rules. That said, there are still limits.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls over 4 ft (footing to top) require a building permit and engineering under the California Building Code adopted via RMC 9-1-1. Fence combos follow Chapter 10.34.

Key details: Permit Threshold: Over 4 ft (footing to top). Engineering: Licensed engineer for walls over 4 ft. Height Rules: RMC 10.34.020 applies to fence combos. Building Code: RMC 9-1-1 -- California Building Code.

Retaining walls built without required permits are subject to stop-work orders and after-the-fact permit fees (typically double the standard fee). Walls that fail structurally or cause damage to neighboring properties may result in civil liability and mandatory remediation orders.

Pool Barriers

Pools and spas over 18 inches deep require barriers under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Enclosures must be 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Key details: State Law: HSC 115920-115929. Fence Height: Minimum 60 inches (5 ft). Gate Latch: Self-closing, self-latching, 60 in high. Ground Clearance: Max 2 inches at bottom. Safety Features: At least 2 of 7 required options.

Failure to install required pool barriers may result in a failed building inspection and withholding of occupancy. Existing pools found without compliant barriers are subject to code enforcement action. Property owners may face civil liability for injuries resulting from noncompliant pool enclosures.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reedley actively enforces its pool barriers requirements.

The Bottom Line

Reedley's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Reedley is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Reedley's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.