Fence Regulations in Novato, CA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In the City of Novato, California, Table 3-1 in Municipal Code § 19.20.040 limits fences, walls and hedges to 3 feet within 15 feet of the sidewalk in a front setback, 6 feet elsewhere in the front and in side, rear and street side setbacks, and 3 feet inside sight visibility areas at intersections and driveways.
Novato Fence Height Limits and Sight Visibility Triangle
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.20.040
B.Height Limitations. Fences, walls, and hedges shall comply with the height limitations shown in Table 3-1. ... TABLE 3-1 MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF FENCES, WALLS, AND HEDGES Location Maximum Height (1) Within front yard setback 3 ft. within 15 ft. of the back of sidewalk, or the back of curb, if there is no sidewalk, or the edge of the improved roadway if there is no sidewalk or curb; 6 ft. elsewhere ...
Fence Permit Requirements
In the City of Novato, a fence needs no building permit when it is 7 feet or less in total height and built of anything other than stone, masonry or concrete, or 6 feet or less when built of stone, masonry or concrete. Every fence and wall in the F3 flood hazard overlay district requires a Building Permit.
Novato Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 4-1.3 (Section 106.2); § 19.20.040
106.2 Work exempt from permit. ... Permits shall not be required for the following: ... 2.Fences constructed of anything other than stone, masonry or concrete, not over 7 feet in total height. Fences constructed of stone, masonry or concrete, not over 6 feet in total height. ... A.Applicability.1.All Fences, Walls, and Hedges. The provisions of this Division apply to all fences, walls, and hedg...
Retaining Walls
In the City of Novato, a retaining wall that is not necessary as a structural element of a building cannot exceed eight feet in height, and a retaining wall above street level must sit at least 2.5 feet from the back of curb or nearest street improvement. Building permits are not required for walls within the small-wall exemption in the adopted building administrative provisions.
Novato Retaining Wall Height and Setback Standards
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 5-23.008
2.Retaining Walls. Retaining walls, not necessary as a structural element of a building, shall not exceed a height of eight feet. ... (2)Tops of banks shall be at least four feet from back of curb or nearest street improvement. Toes of bank shall be at least two feet from back of curb or nearest street improvement. Retaining walls above street level shall be at least 2.5 feet from back of curb ...
Material Restrictions
In the City of Novato, California, any barbed wire or electrified fence within four horizontal feet of a public street, way, sidewalk or pedestrian way is declared a public nuisance under Municipal Code § 1-6.3(e). The city can abate it through a hearing process or summary abatement, and the cost becomes a lien on the property.
Novato Barbed Wire and Electric Fence Rule
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 1-6.3
1-6.3 Public Nuisances Adversely Affecting the Public Peace and Safety. The following are expressly declared to be public nuisances adversely affecting the public peace and safety: ... e.Any barbed wire or electrified fence within a plane of four horizontal feet from any public street, way, sidewalk or pedestrian way; ... l.Fences, hedges, or growths of like nature that violate the restrictions...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
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