Bakersfield regulates fence height, location, and materials under BMC Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance). Residential fences are limited to 3-4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards without a permit. Corner lots must maintain a clear vision triangle. All fences must be set back from public right-of-way and cannot obstruct sight distance at driveways or intersections.
BMC Title 17 establishes standard fence height limits: in residential zones, front yards are typically limited to 3 feet for solid fences and 4 feet for open fences (wrought iron, chain link, picket), while side and rear yards allow fences up to 6 feet without a permit and up to 7 or 8 feet with a permit in some zones. Corner lots must maintain a vision clearance triangle (typically 25 feet along each street frontage) where fences cannot exceed 3 feet to preserve driver visibility. Fences cannot encroach on the public right-of-way and must be maintained in good repair. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing are prohibited in residential zones but may be permitted in industrial zones. Fences adjacent to commercial or industrial uses next to residential may have special screening requirements. Contact Bakersfield Planning at (661) 326-3733 for zone-specific rules.
Fences exceeding height limits or encroaching on setbacks violate BMC Title 17 and can result in administrative citations starting around $100 per violation. Vision obstruction at intersections is a serious safety issue and can result in immediate abatement orders. Continued violations escalate with daily fines. Code Enforcement responds to neighbor complaints and may issue correction notices allowing 30 days to cure.
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