Height Limits: Concord vs El Cerrito
How do height limits rules compare between Concord, CA and El Cerrito, CA?
Concord and El Cerrito have similar restriction levels.
Concord, CA
Contra Costa County
Concord fence height limits are typically 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards on residential lots. Fences exceeding these limits require a building permit and may require a variance. Corner lots have additional sight-distance restrictions to maintain traffic safety.
View full Concord rules →El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
In unincorporated Contra Costa County, residential fences may be up to 6 feet tall in side and rear yards and typically 3 to 4 feet in front yard setbacks. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Corner-lot visibility triangles further restrict height.
View full El Cerrito rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Concord | El Cerrito |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard Max | 3.5 ft (42 in) | 3–4 ft typical |
| Side/Rear Max | 6 ft (7 ft with permit) | - |
| Corner Sight Triangle | No obstruction over 3 ft | - |
| Pool Fence | 5 ft minimum per H&S Code §115923 | - |
| Code Section | CMC Title 18 (Development Code) | - |
| Side / Rear Max | - | 6 ft |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 6 ft |
| Corner Visibility | - | ~30 in in sight triangle |
| Spite Fence Cap | - | Civil Code §841.4 — 10 ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Concord FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be?
Up to 6 feet without a permit, or up to 7 feet with a building permit in most residential zones.
Can I have a 6-foot fence in front of my house?
No. Front yard fences within the setback area are limited to 3.5 feet (42 inches) to preserve sight lines and neighborhood character.
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot fence?
Generally no for a fence at or under 6 feet on side and rear property lines, but permits are required for taller fences, pool fences, and fences on corner lots near sight triangles.
El Cerrito FAQ
Can I build an 8-foot privacy fence in Alamo?
Yes if you pull a building permit and meet structural standards. Fences over 6 feet are not allowed by right and may also be subject to design-review standards in some community planning areas.
How tall can my front yard fence be?
Typically 3 to 4 feet in the front yard setback, lower on corner lots within the visibility triangle. A solid 6-foot fence is generally not allowed in front of the house line.
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