Height Limits: Concord vs Oakley
How do height limits rules compare between Concord, CA and Oakley, CA?
Concord and Oakley 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 →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 | Concord | Oakley |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard Max | 3.5 ft (42 in) | - |
| 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) | - |
| Front yard max | - | 3.5 ft (42 in) |
| Rear/side max | - | 6 ft |
| Over 6 ft | - | Building permit required |
| Sight triangle | - | ≈ 25 ft, max 2.5–3 ft |
| Pool barrier | - | 60 in min (HSC 115920) |
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.
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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