7 rules for unincorporated Inyo County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Inyo County, the zoning ordinance (Title 18) limits most fences, walls, and hedges to a maximum height of six feet. In required front yards and certain corner-lot yards, the limit drops to three and one-half feet to protect visibility.
Inyo County's zoning ordinance caps fence height at six feet, which keeps most fences below the state building-code permit threshold of seven feet. A building permit is required for a fence over seven feet or a retaining wall over four feet, per the adopted California Building Code.
Shared boundary fences in unincorporated Inyo County are governed by California's Good Neighbor Fence Law (Civil Code 841), which presumes adjoining owners benefit equally and share the reasonable cost of a division fence, and requires 30 days' written notice before building or replacing one.
A retaining wall over four feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing, requires a building permit under the California Building Code adopted by Inyo County. When a fence sits atop a retaining wall, the County zoning code (Sec. 18.78.160) reduces the allowed fence height.
Fences in unincorporated Inyo County may occupy any yard but cannot exceed six feet (three and one-half feet in regulated front and corner-lot yards) under Section 18.78.160. Pool barriers and structures near sight lines have additional building-code and visibility requirements.
Inyo County's Title 18 zoning ordinance regulates fence height and placement (Section 18.78.160) but does not restrict residential fence materials. Common materials such as wood, vinyl, chain link, and masonry are generally allowed within the six-foot height and yard limits.
Standard fence materials are permitted for residential properties in unincorporated Inyo County; Title 18 regulates fence height and placement (Section 18.78.160), not material. The adopted California Building Code and fire/wind conditions are the main influences on material choice.
See every category we cover for Inyo County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Inyo County Ordinance Hub →