Fence Regulations in Modesto, CA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Modesto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Modesto Municipal Code section 10-4.406 caps walls and fences at 8 feet in height citywide. Within the front yard and street-side yard, the maximum drops to 42 inches.
8 ft max overall, 42 in. in front/street side yards
Some RestrictionsModesto Municipal Code § 10-4.406(b)(1)-(2)
No wall or fence shall exceed eight (8) feet in height, unless additional height is required as a condition of approval. No wall or fence shall exceed forty-two (42) inches within the front and front street side yard areas. In the R-1 zone, the street side setback required for fences taller than forty-two (42) inches is ten (10) feet.
Permit Requirements
Modesto follows the California Building Code permit exemption: fences 7 feet or less in height do not require a building permit. Anything taller needs a permit from the Building Safety Division.
Fences over 7 feet require a building permit
Few RestrictionsCity of Modesto FAQ (Building Safety Division), implementing California Building Code § 105.2(1)
Fences 7' or less in height do not require a permit.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Modesto follows California Civil Code regarding shared boundary fences. Adjoining property owners share equal responsibility for maintaining boundary fences under CA Civil Code §841. The city does not mediate private fence disputes.
Modesto Fence Neighbor Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 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, maint...
Material Restrictions
Modesto's zoning code generally allows any fencing material in residential side and rear yards, but front-yard fences on commercial or industrial property must be decorative wrought iron or similar approved material.
Decorative wrought iron required on commercial frontages
Some RestrictionsModesto Municipal Code § 10-4.406(b)(3)
Any fence located along the front of commercial or industrial zoned property shall meet applicable front-yard and street-side-yard setback requirements and be constructed of decorative wrought iron or other similar material as authorized by the Director.
Approved Materials
Modesto zoning permits standard residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, masonry, ornamental metal, chain link). Barbed wire, razor wire and electrified fencing are generally prohibited in residential zones.