Fence Regulations in Alameda County, CA (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Alameda County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Alameda County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Height Limits

Unincorporated Alameda County caps fence, wall and hedge height by location, two feet near a corner-lot intersection, four feet in most front yards, and six feet elsewhere in A and R districts, under the county zoning code.

Fence Height Limits in Alameda County

Some Restrictions

Alameda County Code § 17.52.430

The maximum permitted height of fences, walls and hedges, except as otherwise provided in Sections 17.52.420 and 17.52.440 shall be as follows: A.When located in a required yard on a corner lot and within thirty (30) feet of the intersection of the street lot lines or of the projections of such lines: Two feet, measured upward from the center line grade of the street opposite thereto;B.When ...

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Fence Permit Requirements

Unincorporated Alameda County lets masonry fences up to 5'9" and other fences up to 7 feet go up without a permit; taller fences need one.

Fence Permit Rules in Alameda County

Some Restrictions

Alameda County Code § 15.08.060 (CBC § 105.2, Item 2)

2. Fences using concrete, masonry, or similar heavy materials not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) high or fences, other than swimming pool barriers, using light materials not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high. 3. Oil derricks. 4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 min) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding...

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Neighbor Fence Rules

Under California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act), adjoining landowners in Alameda County share equal responsibility for reasonable costs of shared boundary fences unless one party shows the cost would be unjust.

Neighbor Fence Rules in Alameda County

Few Restrictions

California Civil Code § 841(a)–(b)

(a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b)(1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, mainte...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Retaining Walls

Unincorporated Alameda County exempts retaining walls under 4 feet from permitting, but taller walls need a permit, and the county bans tire retaining walls outright.

Retaining Wall Permit Rules in Alameda County

Some Restrictions

Alameda County Code § 15.08.060 (CBC § 105.2, Item 4)

4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 min) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids. 5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1. 6. Raised decks, pl...

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