Neighbor Fence Rules: Fresno vs Selma

California Civil Code §841 (the Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes shared boundary fences are a mutual benefit and requires neighbors to split reasonable costs of construction and maintenance. Fresno does not override this; disputes go to small claims court. Written 30-day notice to the neighbor is required before any cost-share project.

Selma follows California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code Sections 841 through 841.4) for shared boundary fences, which establishes a presumption that adjoining landowners share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundary fence between their properties. This state law provides a structured process for one property owner to notify their neighbor of the need to repair or replace a shared boundary fence, including a mandatory 30-day response period and cost-sharing provisions that can be enforced through small claims court if the neighbor refuses to contribute. Within Selma, SMC 11-20-14 governs the height, materials, and placement standards for fences on boundary lines, allowing up to six feet in side and rear yard boundary locations. The city does not have a local ordinance requiring the finished or more attractive side of a fence to face the neighboring property, though this practice is considered good neighborly conduct. Corner lots and properties near intersections must comply with visibility triangle requirements that limit fence heights to 42 inches or less within the sight triangle area to maintain safe sight lines for traffic. Property owners should verify exact property boundaries through a professional survey before constructing a fence on or near a boundary line, as encroachment onto a neighbor's property can create legal disputes over trespass and required removal.