Sonora, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Requirements (2026)

Tuolumne County's Title 17 Zoning Ordinance addresses fences chiefly through placement and obstruction rules rather than a single fence standard. Chapter 17.22.030.C lists walls and fences among structures that may be erected or projected into any required yard, so a fence can occupy the front, side, or rear setback. However, Chapter 17.22.030.K prohibits placing any structure or object that obstructs the purpose of a recorded public easement or right-of-way, and the property owner is responsible for keeping easements clear. Fences must also preserve sight visibility near driveways and intersections. Height beyond 7 feet triggers a building permit under California Building Code Section 105.2. Swimming pool and spa enclosures are treated as recreation-related accessory structures (Chapter 17.22.040.A.2) and must meet the separate barrier and self-latching gate requirements of the California Building Code. For commercial and multifamily projects, the county's objective design standards call for screening of refuse and loading areas with a six-foot wall, fence, or evergreen, and require visual buffers between conflicting uses. In Historic Combining (H) or Historic Design Preservation (HDP) districts, fence design may be subject to additional review.