Neighbor Fence Rules: El Cerrito vs Martinez
How do neighbor fence rules rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Martinez, CA?
El Cerrito has fewer restrictions than Martinez.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Hedges and living screens in unincorporated Contra Costa County are generally treated as landscaping and are not subject to the same permit thresholds as fences, but height limits in corner-lot visibility triangles and spite-fence rules (Civil Code §841.4 over 10 feet) still apply.
View full El Cerrito rules →Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Martinez follows California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act), which presumes boundary fence costs are shared equally between adjacent property owners. Thirty days written notice to the neighbor is required before construction or replacement. Disputes not resolved through negotiation may be pursued in Contra Costa County Small Claims Court for amounts up to $10,000.
View full Martinez rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Martinez |
|---|---|---|
| Permits | Usually none for hedges | - |
| Visibility Triangle | ~30 in max | - |
| Spite Hedge Cap | Civil Code §841.4 — 10 ft | - |
| Solar Conflict | Civil Code §714 | - |
| ROW Encroachment | County can order trimming | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Can I grow a 15-foot hedge along my property line?
In principle yes — hedges are not capped at fence heights — but a tall hedge built maliciously to block a neighbor could be challenged as a spite fence under Civil Code §841.4.
Can I trim my neighbor's hedge overhanging my yard?
You can trim back to the property line at your own expense without damaging the plant's health. You cannot enter their property without permission.
Martinez FAQ
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