Fences on unincorporated Monterey County land must comply with Title 21 (inland) or Title 20 (coastal): generally no taller than 6 ft unless the accessory-structure setback is met, no encroachment on utility or road easements, plus Design Approval in Design Control Districts and possibly a Coastal Development Permit in the Coastal Zone.
Putting up a fence in unincorporated Monterey County involves three checks. First, height: the County FAQ caps fences at six feet generally, with taller fences allowed only where they meet the setback for a non-habitable accessory structure. Second, placement: the height-and-setback-exception chapters (21.62 inland / 20.62 coastal) state that "structures, except utility poles, appurtenant utility equipment and fences shall not be located so as to encroach on any utility or road easement or right-of-way" — fences are exempted from the general structure-encroachment limit but still cannot block easements. Third, overlays: Design Control District parcels require a Design Approval application, high-archaeology zones may require an archaeological report, and Coastal Zone parcels may need a Coastal Development Permit. On the building side, no construction permit is needed for concrete/masonry fences up to 6 ft, wood/vinyl/metal up to 8 ft, or open metal up to 10 ft, though zoning approval may still be required. Because setbacks vary by zoning district, the County advises confirming requirements with HCD Planning before building.
Non-compliant fences (too tall for their setback, blocking an easement, or built without required Design Approval/permit) are enforced by HCD Code Compliance and may have to be modified or removed, with daily civil penalties for ongoing violations.
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