Neighbor Fence Rules: Brentwood vs Walnut Creek
How do neighbor fence rules rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Walnut Creek, CA?
Brentwood and Walnut Creek have similar restriction levels.
Brentwood, CA
Contra Costa County
Hedges and landscaping used as boundary barriers in Brentwood are subject to the same height limits as fences (3.5 ft front, 6 ft side/rear) when used to enclose a yard. Hedges must not encroach into the public right-of-way, block sidewalks, or obscure sight lines at intersections.
View full Brentwood rules →Walnut Creek, CA
Contra Costa County
Hedges and dense landscaping in Walnut Creek are treated as fences when used as boundary screening and are subject to the same height limits as solid fences — six feet in side and rear yards and three and a half feet in front-yard setbacks and corner sight triangles.
View full Walnut Creek rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | Walnut Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Front hedge height | ~3.5 ft | - |
| Side/rear | Taller generally OK | - |
| Sidewalk clearance | 7 ft vertical | - |
| Street clearance | 13.5 ft vertical | - |
| Visibility triangle | 3 ft max | - |
| Hedges treated as | - | Fences (same height limits) |
| Rear/side yard | - | 6 feet max |
| Front yard | - | 3.5 feet max |
| Sight triangle | - | 30 inches max |
| Trees | - | Generally exempt (see tree ordinance) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brentwood FAQ
Can my neighbor's hedge be taller than a fence would be allowed?
Generally no if it serves as a boundary barrier in the front yard or visibility triangle—it's treated like a fence. Interior hedges can grow taller, though local courts recognize nuisance claims if hedges unreasonably deprive neighbors of light/air.
Who is responsible for trimming overhanging branches?
You may legally trim branches that cross onto your property, up to the property line, without permission—as long as you don't kill the tree. For protected heritage trees, a permit may be required before any pruning.
Walnut Creek FAQ
How tall can I let my hedge grow between me and my neighbor?
Up to six feet in side or rear yards. In a front-yard setback the hedge is limited to about 3.5 feet, and within a corner sight triangle no more than 30 inches. Enforcement is complaint-based.
My neighbor's bamboo is invading my yard — what are my rights?
Under California law, bamboo is the responsibility of the property where it is rooted. You can trim any portion that crosses the property line at the line itself, and you can require the neighbor to install a root barrier or remove spreading plants as a nuisance.
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