Amador County, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Requirements (2026)

Amador County does not maintain a stand-alone fence ordinance prescribing setbacks, openness, or design for ordinary residential fences. Instead, fences are addressed indirectly: Section 19.08.590 of the zoning code excludes fences under six feet in height from the definition of 'structure,' so they are generally not subject to the building setbacks and lot-coverage limits that apply to buildings; and Title 15 (adopted California Building Code) exempts freestanding nonbearing wood or steel fencing up to ten feet from a building permit. Where a fence does rise to the level of a regulated structure or sits near a public road, the broader zoning provisions apply: Section 19.48.110(M) establishes a minimum 50-foot setback from the centerline of county and state highways for buildings or structures, and Chapter 19.44 lets the county set 'building lines' on sectional district maps that replace front setbacks. Corner-lot sight distance for traffic safety is also a practical constraint. Agricultural and special districts may impose fencing through use-permit conditions. For any fence near a road, corner, or in a special zone, the Amador County Planning Department should confirm what setback or building line applies.