Height Limits: Brentwood vs Oakley
How do height limits rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Oakley, CA?
Brentwood and Oakley have similar restriction levels.
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 →Oakley, CA
Contra Costa County
Oakley limits front yard fences to 3.5 feet in height and rear/side yard fences to 6 feet, with corner lot sight-triangle restrictions near intersections. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit, and agricultural-zoned parcels may allow taller fences for livestock.
View full Oakley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | Oakley |
|---|---|---|
| Front yard | 3.5 ft (42 in) max | - |
| Side/rear yard | 6 ft max | - |
| Over 6 ft | Building permit required | Building permit required |
| Visibility triangle | 3 ft max at corners | - |
| Max with permit | 8 ft | - |
| Front yard max | - | 3.5 ft (42 in) |
| Rear/side max | - | 6 ft |
| Sight triangle | - | ≈ 25 ft, max 2.5–3 ft |
| Pool barrier | - | 60 in min (HSC 115920) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Oakley FAQ
Can I have a 7-foot fence for privacy?
Yes, with a building permit from Oakley Community Development. You will need to show structural adequacy and meet setback rules.
Does my HOA control fence height?
Often yes. Newer Oakley subdivisions like Summer Lake and Magnolia Park have CC&Rs that may be stricter than city code on materials, height, and color.
Is the height measured from my side or my neighbor's?
Generally from the higher adjacent grade, but check with Oakley Building Division for slope and retaining wall combinations.
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