Height Limits: Antioch vs Brentwood
How do height limits rules compare between Antioch, CA and Brentwood, CA?
Antioch and Brentwood have similar restriction levels.
Antioch, CA
Contra Costa County
Antioch allows fences up to 6 feet in rear and side yards, and up to 3.5-4 feet in front yards. Corner lot visibility triangles require lower heights at intersections. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and potentially a variance.
View full Antioch rules →Brentwood, CA
Contra Costa County
Brentwood fences are limited to 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and may need a zoning variance. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle restrictions to protect sight lines at intersections.
View full Brentwood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Antioch | Brentwood |
|---|---|---|
| Rear/Side Yard Max | 6 feet (no permit) | - |
| Front Yard Max | 3.5–4 feet | - |
| Corner Lot Triangle | 3 ft within 25-ft sight triangle | - |
| Over 6 Feet | Building permit required | - |
| Cost-Sharing Law | CA Civil Code §841 | - |
| Front yard | - | 3.5 ft (42 in) max |
| Side/rear yard | - | 6 ft max |
| Over 6 ft | - | Building permit required |
| Visibility triangle | - | 3 ft max at corners |
| Max with permit | - | 8 ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Antioch FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot backyard fence?
Generally no. Fences 6 feet or under in rear or interior side yards typically do not require a building permit in Antioch, but must still comply with setback and property line requirements.
Why is my front yard fence limited to 4 feet?
Lower front yard fence heights maintain neighborhood sight lines, pedestrian safety, and open character. Antioch's zoning code limits front fences to 3.5–4 feet unless a special exception is granted.
Brentwood FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot fence?
No permit is required for fences 6 feet or less in side/rear yards (and 3.5 feet in front yards), but you must still comply with setbacks and visibility-triangle rules. Fences over 6 feet need a building permit.
Can I build a taller fence for privacy?
Fences up to 8 feet may be permitted on interior side/rear property lines with a building permit. Taller walls typically require a zoning variance demonstrating hardship, which is a discretionary approval.
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