Fence Regulations in Contra Costa County, CA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 9 cities in Contra Costa County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Height Limits

In unincorporated Contra Costa County, residential fences may be up to 6 feet tall in side and rear yards and typically 3 to 4 feet in front yard setbacks. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Corner-lot visibility triangles further restrict height.

Fences: Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Neighbor Fence Rules

Hedges and living screens in unincorporated Contra Costa County are generally treated as landscaping and are not subject to the same permit thresholds as fences, but height limits in corner-lot visibility triangles and spite-fence rules (Civil Code §841.4 over 10 feet) still apply.

Fences: Hedge Rules

Few Restrictions

Cal. CIV Code § 841

(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, maint...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls over 3 to 4 feet of retained earth require a building permit and engineered design in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Walls with surcharge (buildings, driveways, slopes above) typically require a permit at any height. Setbacks and drainage must meet county grading standards.

Fences: Retaining Walls

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Pool Barriers

Swimming pool barriers in Contra Costa County must follow California Health & Safety Code §115920 et seq. Pools built or remodeled after 2007 must have at least 2 safety features. Barriers must be at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates opening away from the pool.

Fences: Pool Fences

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Material Restrictions

Unincorporated Contra Costa County allows wood, vinyl, composite, masonry, stucco, wrought iron, and chain-link fencing in most residential zones. Some community-specific design standards in Alamo, Kensington, and Saranap restrict certain materials by front-yard visibility and aesthetics.