How Ridgecrest Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide
Ridgecrest maintains 74 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Ridgecrest falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Fence Permit Requirements
Ridgecrest requires a separate building permit before erecting, enlarging, or altering any fence or wall covered by the city's fence and wall article, approved by the building official.
Key details: Permit required: Separate building permit per fence. Issued by: City building official. Masonry fence standard: Reinforced footings if over 30 in. Violation class: Misdemeanor under § 102-105.
Building or altering a fence without this permit, or violating the sturdy-construction standard for masonry fences over 30 inches, is a misdemeanor under Ridgecrest City Code § 102-105.
Retaining Walls
Ridgecrest, California, in Kern County requires any fence or wall over 30 inches tall, including masonry retaining walls, to be built with strong, reinforced construction and to carry a separate city building permit.
Key details: Trigger height: Over 30 inches. Permit required: Separate building permit, Sec. 102-107. Standard: Strong, reinforced, with adequate footings. Violation class: Misdemeanor under Sec. 102-105.
Building, enlarging, or altering a fence or wall over 30 inches without a permit, or without adequate reinforcing and footings, is a misdemeanor under § 102-105, enforced by the building official.
Height Limits
Ridgecrest caps side and rear yard fences at seven feet, tapers front-yard fencing down to three feet six inches near the property line, and protects corner sightlines.
Key details: Governing section: § 106-32, Fences, walls and hedges. Side/rear yard max: 7 feet from average grade. Street-side fence max: 7 feet above top of curb. Front yard taper max: 3 ft. 6 in. at property line. Corner intersections: 3 ft. 6 in. within visibility area.
A fence built taller than the § 106-32 limits, or that blocks a required corner-visibility area, is a zoning violation under § 106-64, an infraction the city attorney can pursue as a public nuisance requiring removal or modification.
The Bottom Line
Ridgecrest'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 Ridgecrest is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Ridgecrest's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.