Fence Regulations in Sonoma, CA (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Sonoma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Per SMC 19.46.030, fences in front and street-side setbacks are limited to 3.5 feet; rear and interior side yards generally allow up to 7 feet (8 feet with the top foot at least 40% open). Corner-lot sight triangles cap fences at 30 inches.
Fence Height Limits in Sonoma
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civ. Code §841) presumes adjoining owners share equally in the reasonable cost of a boundary fence and requires 30 days' written notice before incurring shared costs. Local fence height and material rules in SMC Ch. 19.46 still apply.
Shared and Boundary Fence Rules in Sonoma
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Per SMC 19.46.040, retaining walls in Sonoma may not exceed 6 feet measured from finished grade at the base of the wall. Walls over 4 feet of unbalanced fill (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a building permit under the California Building Code.
Retaining Wall Rules in Sonoma
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929) controls pool barriers in Sonoma. Enclosures must be at least 60 inches tall with self-closing/self-latching gates opening away from the pool, and new/remodeled pools must include at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention safety features.
Pool Barrier Fence Requirements in Sonoma
Heavy RestrictionsApproved Materials
Sonoma Municipal Code Ch. 19.46 regulates fence materials, including special wall and fencing guidelines (SMC 19.46.070) and material restrictions (SMC 19.46.080). Solid wood, masonry and concrete fences over 7 feet require a building permit; all fences over 10 feet do regardless of material.
Fence Materials in Sonoma
Some RestrictionsLooking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sonoma city rules.
Fence Regulations in Sonoma County →