7 rules for unincorporated Yuba County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Yuba County Development Code Section 11.19.040(B) caps front and corner-side-yard fences at three feet (four feet if the top foot is at least 25% open) inside the Valley Growth Boundary, and allows up to eight feet in side, rear and main building areas. Fences over seven feet need a building permit.
Per Yuba County Development Code Section 11.19.040(H), fences over seven feet in height require a building permit. Retaining walls over four feet (bottom of footing to top of wall) or subject to surcharge require a grading permit under Section 11.23.020. Most standard residential fences within height limits need no permit.
Yuba County's Development Code regulates fence height, placement and materials but does not address cost-sharing between neighbors. Shared boundary fences are governed by California Civil Code Section 841 (the Good Neighbor Fence Act), which presumes adjoining owners share fence costs equally and requires 30 days' written notice before billing a neighbor.
In unincorporated Yuba County, retaining walls over four feet in height (measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall) or any retaining wall subject to surcharge require a grading permit under Development Code Section 11.23.020(A)(2)(a). Retaining walls under four feet and not surcharged are exempt.
Yuba County Development Code Section 11.19.040 sets placement and visibility rules in addition to height. Inside the Valley Growth Boundary fences must sit at least five feet back from the right-of-way; fences are prohibited within the County right-of-way; and corner/intersection fences must meet the 25-foot sight-distance triangle of Section 11.19.130.
Yuba County Development Code Section 11.19.040(E) prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, ultra-barrier and electrified fencing except for agricultural uses, where required by law, or where a business security need is approved by the Zoning Administrator. Inside the Valley Growth Boundary, plain concrete block visible from a public street and certain chain link are also restricted.
Yuba County Development Code Section 11.19.040(E) requires street-visible fencing to be an integral part of the site architecture, with compatible materials, colors and detailing. Production homes must use steel posts (subsection F), and decorative gateways, trellises and walls are allowed within stated size limits.
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