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

Permit Sonoma's PJR-133 Fence Guidelines set the construction and placement requirements for fences in the unincorporated county. Fence height is measured from the lowest existing grade to the topmost point of the fence. Fences must be located at least 6 inches outside of public rights-of-way and easements. Within residential and K zoning districts, by-right maximum heights are 6 feet in the front/street-side yard setback and 8 feet in side and rear yard setbacks (with the upper portion open or lattice as applicable); outside required setbacks there is generally no county height limit. Special overlay and resource areas add restrictions: in a designated Floodway (F1) combining district, no fencing of any type is permitted because solid obstructions can divert floodwaters; within a Riparian Corridor (RC) setback, a fence may require a zoning permit and should be wildlife-friendly - generally open fencing no taller than four feet (4'). Fences in the Scenic Resources (SR) combining district require administrative design review. Building permits are required for solid fences over 7 feet and any fence over 10 feet. Agricultural fences in AR and RR districts have expanded exemptions under the 2025 ordinance. Because requirements turn on your zoning district and any combining-district overlays, verify your parcel's zoning with Permit Sonoma before building.