Fence Regulations in Sonoma, CA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Sonoma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
City of Sonoma fences and walls max out at 7 feet in rear and interior side setbacks, but only 3.5 feet in front and street-side setbacks. Fences at street or driveway intersections drop to 30 inches if solid, inside required traffic-safety sight areas, unless the material is at least 75 percent open.
City of Sonoma Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code § 19.46.030, Table 4-3
A. Maximum Heights. Fences, hedges, and walls (except retaining walls) may be constructed to the heights shown in Table 4-3. See also SMC 19.46.040, Height limitations for retaining walls. ... | Rear and interior setbacks | 7 feet1 | | Front and street-side setbacks2 | 3.5 feet | | At intersections of streets, alleys, and driveways within traffic safety sight areas | 30 inches if solid; otherwi...
Fence Permit Requirements
In the City of Sonoma, a residential fence, hedge or wall built within the height limits of Sonoma Municipal Code § 19.46.030 needs no land use permit at all, per § 19.03.030(B)(2). Go over the maximum height, though, and you need a discretionary use permit approved by the planning commission under § 19.46.030(B), with specific findings on compatibility, safety and neighborhood fit.
City of Sonoma Fence Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code §§ 19.03.030(B)(2), 19.46.030(B)
2. Fences – Residential Zoning Districts. Fences in the residential zoning districts are exempt from land use permit requirements as provided by Chapter 19.46 SMC, Fences, Hedges and Walls. ... ... B. Modifications to Fence Height Standards. The planning commission may modify the fence height standards referenced in subsection (A) of this section, subject to the approval of a use permit (SMC 19...
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls in the City of Sonoma cannot exceed 6 feet measured from finished grade, though the city planner can approve up to 1 extra foot for topography. A safety fence up to 42 inches can top any retaining wall regardless of the wall's own height.
City of Sonoma Retaining Wall Height Rules
Some RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code § 19.46.040
A. Maximum Height – Six Feet. Retaining walls shall not exceed a height of six feet measured from the finished grade at the base of the wall. The city planner may approve additional height up to one foot in consideration of varying topographical features. B. Fence or Wall Topping. 1. Wall for a Cut in Grade. Where a retaining wall protects a cut below the finished grade and is located on a fron...
Material Restrictions
Barbed wire, electrified, and razor wire fences are banned across all residential zoning districts in the City of Sonoma, and on commercial properties adjoining a residential district, under SMC 19.46.080(A). Chain-link fencing is separately restricted in required street-facing setbacks on residential property under subsection (B).
City of Sonoma Fence Material Rules
Significant RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code § 19.46.080
A. Security Fences. Barbed wire, electrified, or razor wire fences, and other similar types of security fences are prohibited in all residential zoning districts and on commercial properties adjoining a residential zoning district. The use of such fence materials on commercial properties that do not adjoin a residential zoning district shall be subject to use permit review, in compliance with S...
Looking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sonoma city rules.
Fence Regulations in Sonoma County →