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Fence Regulations in Martinez, CA (2026)

3 verified fence regulations for Martinez, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Height Limits

Martinez allows fences up to 6 feet high in side and rear yards and up to 3.5 feet in front yards or within street-facing setback areas. Corner lot visibility triangles have additional height restrictions to preserve traffic sight lines. Fences over 6 feet or in historic downtown areas require a building permit and Design Review Committee approval.

Fences: Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Permit Requirements

Standard residential fences in Martinez up to 6 feet in height generally do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls over 3 feet, pool fences, and any fence in the downtown historic district or in design review areas require permits. Permit fees typically range from $150 to $400 depending on complexity, with additional fees for engineered or historic review.

Fences: Permit Requirements

Few Restrictions

Neighbor Fence Rules

Martinez follows California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act), which presumes boundary fence costs are shared equally between adjacent property owners. Thirty days written notice to the neighbor is required before construction or replacement. Disputes not resolved through negotiation may be pursued in Contra Costa County Small Claims Court for amounts up to $10,000.

Fences: Boundary Disputes

Some Restrictions

California Civil Code § 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act)

841. (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, ...

Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Martinez city rules.

Fence Regulations in Contra Costa County