Fence Regulations in Fresno, CA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Fresno, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
FMC §15-2006 sets fence heights: 6 ft maximum for side/rear yards, 3 ft for front yards. Wrought iron/tubular steel up to 4 ft in front yard if 80% open. Decorative entry gates up to 7 ft in residential with Director approval.
Fresno Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsFresno Development Code Section 15-2006 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges) — Single-Family Lots Handout E11
Fences, Walls, and Hedges (Section 15-2006). Fences can be six feet high once it's past the front yard setback, see the zoning table to the right. In RS-1 established neighborhoods, use the prevailing front yard setback. Zone Setback: RS-1 35 feet; RS-2 30 feet; RS-3 25 feet; RS-4 13 feet; RS-5 13 feet. If you have a corner house, you'll need to provide a 3' high visibility triangle. When there...
Permit Requirements
Fresno requires a building permit for fences over 7 feet tall or any retaining wall over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top. Fences 6 feet and under in side and rear yards, and 3 feet in front yards, are permit-exempt provided they meet FMC §15-2019 zoning setback and materials rules.
Fence Permits in Fresno
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
California Civil Code §841 (the Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes shared boundary fences are a mutual benefit and requires neighbors to split reasonable costs of construction and maintenance. Fresno does not override this; disputes go to small claims court. Written 30-day notice to the neighbor is required before any cost-share project.
Neighbor Fence Rules in Fresno
Some RestrictionsCal. Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act)
(a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b)(1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, mainte...
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls in Fresno require a building permit when they are 4 feet or taller measured from bottom of footing to top, or at any height when they support a surcharge load (slope, driveway, structure). Engineered plans stamped by a California licensed engineer are required for walls over 4 feet.
Retaining Wall Rules in Fresno
Heavy RestrictionsPool Barriers
Under California Health and Safety Code §115920 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act) and FMC Chapter 15, all swimming pools in Fresno must have at least two drowning prevention safety features. Enclosure fencing must be at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool.
Pool Barrier Rules in Fresno
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code §115923 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics: (a) Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool, and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. (b) A minimum height of 60 inches. (c) A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches. (d) Gaps or voids, if any, do ...
Fence Requirements
Residential fences in Fresno are capped at 6 feet in side and rear yards, 3 feet in front yards, and must stay within the corner sight triangle at 3 feet. Material rules in FMC §15-2019 require finished materials facing the street and prohibit barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fencing in residential zones.
Fence Requirements in Fresno
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
FMC §15-2019 prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, sheet metal, salvage materials, and electric fencing in residential zones in Fresno. Acceptable materials are wood, vinyl, masonry (brick, block, stone), wrought iron, chain link with or without slats, composite, and bamboo. Commercial and industrial zones may use chain link and barbed wire with setback.
Fence Material Restrictions in Fresno
Some RestrictionsLooking for Fresno County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fresno city rules.
Fence Regulations in Fresno County →