7 rules for unincorporated Calaveras County, California.
Verified from official government sources
The Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) does not set a single numeric fence height limit for unincorporated areas. It defines how fence height is measured and refers fence construction to Title 15 (Building and Construction), which adopts the California Building Code. Under the CBC, fences over 7 feet need a building permit.
Calaveras County's Zoning Code refers fence construction to Title 15, Building and Construction, which adopts the California Building Code. Under CBC Section 105.2, fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from a building permit. Taller fences and most retaining walls over 4 feet require a permit.
Calaveras County's Zoning Code does not set boundary-fence cost-sharing rules, so California's statewide Good Neighbor Fence Law (Civil Code 841) controls. It presumes adjoining owners share equally in the cost of a dividing fence and requires 30 days' written notice before a neighbor incurs costs.
In unincorporated Calaveras County, the Zoning Code allows retaining walls in required setbacks subject to Title 15, Building and Construction. The adopted California Building Code requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet (footing to top) or any wall supporting a surcharge.
Fences in unincorporated Calaveras County must meet the Zoning Code's setback, visibility, and stream-setback rules and the building requirements of Title 15. Fences may encroach into yard setbacks, but cannot create sight obstructions at intersections or driveways and cannot block stream flow.
The Calaveras County Zoning Code does not impose a general ban on residential fence materials such as barbed wire or electric fencing in unincorporated areas. It does restrict chain-link visibility for certain installations and bars view-obstructing materials in the visual clearance area. Fence materials must meet the California Building Code via Title 15.
Calaveras County does not prescribe required residential fence materials in unincorporated areas. Fences must comply with the building requirements of Title 15 (California Building Code) and the Zoning Code's visibility and stream rules. Design Review overlay zones can impose appearance and material conditions.
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