Castro Valley, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Alameda County §17.52.430
- Front Yard Max
- 4 feet
- Side/Rear Max
- 6 feet
- Corner Visibility
- 2 feet within 30 ft of intersection
- Permit Threshold
- Over 6 ft requires building permit
Summary
Alameda County Code §17.52.430 limits residential fences in Castro Valley to 4 feet in the required front yard, 6 feet in side and rear yards, and 2 feet within 30 feet of a street intersection (visibility triangle).
Fences within the required front yard shall not exceed four feet in height. Fences within the required interior side yard shall not exceed six feet in height. Fences within the required rear yard shall not exceed six feet in height. Fences outside of required yards shall not exceed six feet in height. Fences within thirty feet of an intersection shall not exceed two feet in height.
Full Breakdown
Section 17.52.430 of Title 17 (Zoning) sets fence heights for unincorporated Alameda County: within the required front yard, fences/walls/hedges shall not exceed 4 feet; within the required interior side yard, no more than 6 feet; within the required rear yard, no more than 6 feet; outside required yards, no more than 6 feet. §17.52.440 provides discretionary exceptions up to 12 feet via a conditional use or variance approval. §17.52.450 measures height upward from natural ground level. Castro Valley's hillside Chapter 17.51 provisions can layer additional view/scenic standards.
Violations & Fines
Building Department can require an over-height fence to be cut down or removed if no variance was obtained; failure becomes a Ch. 6.65 nuisance. Construction without a permit (fences over 6 ft typically need a building permit) carries a doubled-fee penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front-yard fence be in Castro Valley?
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Castro Valley
How Castro Valley compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Castro Valley to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle height limits.