Butte County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front setback (most zones)
- 42 inches max
- Street-side setback (most zones)
- 42 inches max
- Rear/interior side (most zones)
- 6 feet max
- Agriculture/Industrial/Airport
- 8 feet anywhere on parcel
- Extra height with permit
- +2 feet (Form PLA-11)
- Code section
- BCC Section 24-59, Table 24-59-1
Summary
In unincorporated Butte County, residential fences and walls are capped at 42 inches within the front and street-side setback and at 6 feet in all other areas of the parcel. Agriculture, Industrial and Airport zones are allowed up to 8 feet anywhere on the parcel.
Two feet of additional fence or wall height beyond that shown in Table 24-59-1 is permitted with the approval of this permit. Fences and walls shall be constructed of decorative masonary, ornamental steel or iron, or wood. Other materials may be considered if the Zoning Administrator determines the design to be compatible with adjacent structures and its surroudning neighborhood. The use of barbed wire, razor wire, and other similar materials is permitted only in the Rural Residential, Rural Country Residential, Foothill Residential, Foothill Country Residential, Timber Mountain, Industrial, Agriculture, and Timber Production zones. Fence and wall design shall conform to the California Building Code and all development standards required for safety.
Full Breakdown
Butte County Code Section 24-59 (Height Limits) and Table 24-59-1 set the maximum permitted height of fences and walls. In residential and most non-rural zones the limit is 42 inches within the front setback and within the street-side setback, and 6 feet in all other areas of the parcel. In the Agriculture, Industrial and Airport zones, fences and walls may be up to 8 feet in any location on the parcel. Two additional feet are allowed with an approved Additional Fence Height Administrative Permit (BCC Sections 24-57 et seq., Form PLA-11). In residential zones, two additional feet are also permitted without a permit for ornamental features that do not provide a screening function, such as an archway over a gate or intermittent ornamental figures along the top. Side property line fences within the front-yard setback may be allowed up to 6 feet if approved for line-of-sight by the Director of Public Works.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence or wall taller than the limits in Table 24-59-1 without an Additional Fence Height Administrative Permit is a violation of the Butte County Zoning Code. The Code Enforcement Division may issue a notice of violation, require removal or reduction in height, and pursue administrative or misdemeanor penalties under Chapter 1 of the County Code. Non-conforming fences are also subject to the amortization provisions of Section 24-61.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build a backyard fence on a residential parcel in unincorporated Butte County?
Why is my front-yard fence limited to 42 inches?
Do agricultural parcels follow the same fence height rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Butte County
How Butte County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Butte County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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