Material Restrictions: Martinez vs San Ramon
How do material restrictions rules compare between Martinez, CA and San Ramon, CA?
Martinez has fewer restrictions than San Ramon.
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 →San Ramon, CA
Contra Costa County
San Ramon permits standard fence materials including wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain link, with restrictions on barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones. HOA CC&Rs in master-planned communities typically specify approved material types and often prohibit chain link in front yards.
View full San Ramon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Martinez | San Ramon |
|---|---|---|
| Material ban | None county-wide | - |
| Masonry/concrete | Permit required (treated as wall) | - |
| Code Section | Ord. Code 72-6.202 | - |
| - | - |
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.
San Ramon FAQ
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