Fence Regulations in Placer County, CA (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Placer County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In unincorporated Placer County, fences in the front setback are limited to 3 feet, with open-style fencing allowed up to 6 feet in RA/RF zones and 4 feet in RS/RM zones where the site and surrounding parcels are at least one acre. Street-side and side/rear fences may be taller.
Placer County Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPlacer County Code § 17.54.030.B.1 (quoted in Hunter Variance Staff Report PLN24-00276, Nov. 21, 2024)
Fence Height within the Front Setback. Three feet, except that open wire, chain link, wood rail, or other similar types of fencing (consisting of only such materials as do not conflict with vehicle sight distance, as determined by the department of public works) may be constructed to a height of four feet in the residential single-family (RS) where the site and surrounding parcels are at least ...
Fence Permit Requirements
Under the California Building Code (Section 105.2) adopted by Placer County, fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from a building permit. Permit exemption does not waive zoning rules; fences must still comply with Placer County Zoning Ordinance height and setback standards.
Placer County Fence Permits
Some RestrictionsPlacer County Hunter Variance PLN24-00276, Conditions of Approval, Condition 2 (Nov. 21, 2024)
Prior to any construction on site, a building permit shall be obtained from the Placer County Building Services Division as required. (PLN)
Retaining Walls
A grading permit is required for any retaining wall over four feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the retained soil, or for any wall subject to a surcharge load like a driveway or building above it. Walls four feet and under, with no surcharge, are exempt.
Placer County Retaining Wall Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPlacer County Code § 15.48.060(A), § 15.48.070(D)
A permit shall also be required for the following: 1. Retaining walls which are over four feet in height, as measured from bottom of footing to top of the retained soil; 2. Any retaining walls that are subject to surcharge... [§ 15.48.070(D)] Retaining walls four feet or less in height, as measured from bottom of footing to the top of retained soil, and not subject to surcharge [are exempt from...
Material Restrictions
Placer County ties some fence materials to setback location. In the front setback, only open-style materials (open wire, chain link, wood rail, or similar that do not block vehicle sight distance) may exceed three feet, while solid materials are limited. Required screening must instead be opaque, such as solid wood or masonry.
Placer County Fence Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRecommended Conditions of Approval, Hunter Variance PLN24-00276 (Nov. 21, 2024), citing Placer County Code § 17.54.030.B.1
Fence is to be made with an open material and without any opaque screening. (Condition 3, PLN24-00276)
Fence Regulations by City in Placer County
1 cities in Placer County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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