Neighbor Fence Rules: Martinez vs Walnut Creek
How do neighbor fence rules rules compare between Martinez, CA and Walnut Creek, CA?
Martinez and Walnut Creek have similar restriction levels.
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 →Walnut Creek, CA
Contra Costa County
Hedges and dense landscaping in Walnut Creek are treated as fences when used as boundary screening and are subject to the same height limits as solid fences — six feet in side and rear yards and three and a half feet in front-yard setbacks and corner sight triangles.
View full Walnut Creek rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Martinez | Walnut Creek |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Hedges treated as | - | Fences (same height limits) |
| Rear/side yard | - | 6 feet max |
| Front yard | - | 3.5 feet max |
| Sight triangle | - | 30 inches max |
| Trees | - | Generally exempt (see tree ordinance) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Martinez FAQ
Walnut Creek FAQ
How tall can I let my hedge grow between me and my neighbor?
Up to six feet in side or rear yards. In a front-yard setback the hedge is limited to about 3.5 feet, and within a corner sight triangle no more than 30 inches. Enforcement is complaint-based.
My neighbor's bamboo is invading my yard — what are my rights?
Under California law, bamboo is the responsibility of the property where it is rooted. You can trim any portion that crosses the property line at the line itself, and you can require the neighbor to install a root barrier or remove spreading plants as a nuisance.
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