7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Monterey County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Monterey County, the Building & Planning Services FAQ states a fence generally may not exceed six feet high unless it meets the setback required for a non-habitable accessory structure in that zoning district. Title 21 (inland) and Title 20 (coastal) govern; height limits are tied to setback location, not a flat number.
County of Monterey HCD, Building and Planning Services FAQ (interpreting Title 21 Ch. 21.62)
In all zoning districts, your fence may not be more than six feet high unless it meets the setback requirements for an accessory structure (non-habitable).
Per the Monterey County Building & Planning Services FAQ, a building permit is NOT required for concrete/masonry fences not over 6 ft, wood/vinyl/metal fences not over 8 ft, and open metal fences not over 10 ft. A separate planning permit may still apply, and Design Control District parcels need Design Approval.
County of Monterey HCD, Building and Planning Services FAQ
Permits are not required for concrete and masonry fences not over 6 feet high, wood, vinyl and metal fences not more than 8 feet high and open metal fences not over 10 feet high. However, zoning regulations may require you to obtain a planning permit.
Monterey County's zoning sets fence height and placement, but cost-sharing on a boundary fence is governed by California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act). Adjoining owners are presumed equally responsible for a dividing fence, with 30 days' prior written notice required before incurring shared costs.
Monterey County requires a construction permit for any retaining wall 4 feet or greater in height, measured bottom of footing to top of wall, OR a retaining wall of any height that supports a surcharge. Permit submittals require engineered drawings, structural calculations, and typically a geotechnical report.
Fences on unincorporated Monterey County land must comply with Title 21 (inland) or Title 20 (coastal): generally no taller than 6 ft unless the accessory-structure setback is met, no encroachment on utility or road easements, plus Design Approval in Design Control Districts and possibly a Coastal Development Permit in the Coastal Zone.
Monterey County's building-permit exemptions distinguish fence materials: concrete/masonry fences are exempt up to 6 ft, wood/vinyl/metal up to 8 ft, and open metal up to 10 ft. Above those heights a permit is required. Design Control Districts add material and appearance review through Design Approval.
County of Monterey HCD, Building and Planning Services FAQ (Title 18 administration)
Permits are not required for concrete and masonry fences not over 6 feet high, wood, vinyl and metal fences not more than 8 feet high and open metal fences not over 10 feet high.
Allowed fence materials in unincorporated Monterey County (wood, vinyl, metal, open metal, concrete, masonry) are governed by building-permit-exempt heights: 6 ft concrete/masonry, 8 ft wood/vinyl/metal, 10 ft open metal. Design Control and Coastal overlays may add appearance and material conditions.
2 cities in Monterey County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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