Fence Regulations in Chico, CA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Where multi-family, commercial, or manufacturing property in Chico adjoins a residential zone, the code requires a 6-foot sight-obscuring wood fence or masonry wall along the shared property line for privacy screening.
Chico Privacy Fence Rules Between Land Uses
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.60.060(H)(1)
Wherever a site zoned for multi-family residential, commercial, or manufacturing purposes adjoins a residential zoning district, a 6-foot-high wood fence or solid decorative masonry wall (7 feet if one foot of lattice or other 50% view permeable material is incorporated into the top one foot of the fence design) shall be constructed along the property line adjoining the residential zoning distr...
Fence Permit Requirements
Chico exempts fences 6 feet or under from a building permit, but zoning still caps residential fences at 3 feet in front yards and 7 feet in rear/side yards, with taller heights requiring an administrative or use permit.
Chico Fence Permit & Height Rules
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.60.060(A)(1)(a)
Fences, walls, or similar obstructions shall not exceed the following height limitations: (1) Front Yards. 3 feet. May be increased to 4 feet with approval of an administrative use permit in compliance with Chapter 19.25 (Administrative Use Permits), or up to 6 feet with approval of a use permit in compliance with Chapter 19.24 (Use Permits).
Retaining Walls
Chico exempts retaining walls up to 4 feet from setback rules, allows walls 4 to 6 feet in a setback only when the exposed face points inward, and treats anything taller as a main structure needing full zoning compliance.
Chico Retaining Wall Height Rules
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.60.090(F)(4)
Retaining Walls. Retaining walls greater than 4 feet but no more than 6 feet in height may be located within a required setback provided the exposed side of the wall faces into the property. Retaining walls greater than 4 feet in height, where the exposed side of the wall faces out from the property, and all retaining walls greater than 6 feet in height shall be subject to the same requirements...
Material Restrictions
Chico prohibits barbed wire, electrified fencing, and razor wire on fences and walls in every zoning district; electrified fencing is allowed only in commercial or industrial zones with a use permit and Civil Code safeguards.
Chico Bans Barbed Wire Fencing
Significant RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.60.060(F)
F. Prohibited Materials. The use of barbed wire, electrified fence, or razor wire fence in conjunction with any fence or wall, or by itself, is prohibited in all zoning districts unless: 1. Approved in a commercial or industrial zoning district, in compliance with Chapter 19.24 (Use Permits); and 2. Consistent with the requirements of Civil Code Section 835, including but not limited to the fol...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
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