5 rules for unincorporated Humboldt County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Humboldt County residential zones (RS, R-1, R-2), solid fences within the front-yard setback are capped at 3 feet, while open fences (at least 70% open to light and air) may reach 7 feet. Outside the front-yard setback, fences up to 6 feet are generally allowed without a zoning or building permit.
Humboldt County Planning & Building Department, FAQ - 'How tall can a fence be built?' (citing Humboldt County Code Sections 314-73 and 341 et seq.)
Fences up to six feet high are exempt from zoning setback and building permit requirements. A fence over six feet high is subject to setback requirements from property lines and requires a building permit from the Building Inspection Division. Fences along roads may have special restrictions in height and material according to the county's Visibility Ordinance, which establishes standards to en...
Fences six feet or under do not need a Humboldt County building or zoning permit. A building permit from the Building Inspection Division is required for any fence taller than six feet. Any fence or gate built in or adjacent to a County road right-of-way also needs an encroachment permit from Public Works.
Humboldt County Department of Public Works, 'Fences and Gates' (implementing Humboldt County Code Sections 331-11 and 341 et seq.)
Most fences under 6 feet in height do not require a permit from the Planning & Building Department. Fences must be constructed outside of the public right of way for the County road. If you are building a fence or a gate near a County maintained road please contact the Encroachment Permit Office of the Public Works Land Use Division at 707.445.7205. Public Works staff can meet you on-site at no...
In residential front-yard setbacks, only fences that are at least 70% open to the passage of light and air qualify for the taller 7-foot allowance. Chain link or other woven wire smaller than 6-gauge is prohibited in the front-yard setback, and fences in the road visibility triangle must not obstruct vision.
Humboldt County Department of Public Works, 'Fences and Gates' guidance (implementing Humboldt County Code Chapter 341)
Chain link fencing with 2" posts and 2" mesh (without privacy slats) can be an alternative if a tall fence is necessary within visibility triangle areas. Within the visibility triangle area vegetation must also trimmed and maintained so as not to obstruct visibility. Fences require setbacks at intersections and driveways. On road curves, fences may need greater setback distance.
See every category we cover for Humboldt County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Humboldt County Ordinance Hub →