Material Restrictions: Martinez vs Pittsburg
How do material restrictions rules compare between Martinez, CA and Pittsburg, CA?
Martinez and Pittsburg have similar restriction levels.
Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County's Ordinance Code does not impose a general material restriction on residential fences in unincorporated areas. The only material-specific rule is that concrete and masonry walls are classified as walls (not fences) and require a building permit regardless of height.
View full Martinez rules →Pittsburg, CA
Contra Costa County
Pittsburg permits standard fence materials including wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain link, and masonry under PMC Title 18. Razor wire, electrified fencing, and barbed wire are restricted to industrial zones or require special approval in agricultural zones.
View full Pittsburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Martinez | Pittsburg |
|---|---|---|
| Material ban | None county-wide | - |
| Masonry/concrete | Permit required (treated as wall) | - |
| Code Section | Ord. Code 72-6.202 | - |
| Wood/vinyl/iron | - | Residential OK |
| Chain link | - | Allowed; HOAs may restrict |
| Barbed wire/razor | - | Industrial only |
| Electrified (other than pet) | - | Ag/industrial |
| Upkeep | - | Must be maintained |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Martinez FAQ
Is barbed wire allowed on a residential fence in unincorporated Contra Costa County?
There is no county-wide ordinance prohibiting barbed wire in unincorporated residential areas, but specific zoning districts and HOA rules may restrict it. Some cities in the county (e.g., Pittsburg) ban it outright in their residential zones; the county itself does not.
Do I need a permit for a stucco or brick wall instead of a wood fence?
Yes. Ordinance 72-6.202 expressly states concrete and masonry walls are not 'fences' and require a building permit, even if they are under 7 feet tall.
Pittsburg FAQ
Can I install a chain link fence in my front yard?
Yes under city code, within the 3.5-foot front-yard height limit. HOAs in many Pittsburg subdivisions prohibit chain link in front yards, so check your CC&Rs first.
Are living fences (hedges) treated the same as built fences?
Hedges function as fences for height and sight-line purposes. Front-yard hedges should not exceed 3.5 feet where they serve as a boundary barrier in the setback.
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