Placer County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front setback (general)
- 3 feet maximum
- Front setback, RS/RM (open-style, 1+ acre)
- Up to 4 feet
- Front setback, RA/RF (open-style)
- Up to 6 feet
- Street-side setback
- Up to 7 feet
- Governing code
- Section 17.54.030.B.1
- Exceeding limits
- Requires variance (Sec. 17.60.100)
Summary
In unincorporated Placer County, fences in the front setback are limited to 3 feet, with open-style fencing allowed up to 6 feet in RA/RF zones and 4 feet in RS/RM zones where the site and surrounding parcels are at least one acre. Street-side and side/rear fences may be taller.
Fence Height within the Front Setback. Three feet, except that open wire, chain link, wood rail, or other similar types of fencing (consisting of only such materials as do not conflict with vehicle sight distance, as determined by the department of public works) may be constructed to a height of four feet in the residential single-family (RS) where the site and surrounding parcels are at least one acre in size.
Full Breakdown
030 (Landscaping and fencing). Within the front setback, the general maximum is three feet. An exception allows open wire, chain link, wood rail, or similar open-style fencing (materials that do not conflict with vehicle sight distance, as determined by the Department of Public Works) up to four feet in the Residential Single-Family (RS) and Residential Multifamily (RM) districts where the site and surrounding parcels are at least one acre in size, and up to six feet in the Residential Agricultural (RA) and Residential Forest (RF) districts.
Fences may be taller within the street-side setback, up to seven feet, provided they are not within a public utility or multi-purpose easement and do not violate the clear-view triangle at corner lots. In rear and side yards outside required setbacks, solid fencing up to seven feet is typical for residential lots, as noted in county variance staff reports. 100. Because exact limits depend on zone district, lot size, and setback location, property owners should confirm with Placer County Community Development Resource Agency (CDRA) Planning Services before building.
Violations & Fines
Fences exceeding the height allowed for their setback location or zone are zoning violations enforced by Placer County CDRA. A height variance under Section 17.60.100 must be obtained before exceeding the standard, as demonstrated by county-approved variance cases for 5-foot front-yard fences where four feet was the maximum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a fence be in my Placer County front yard?
Can I build a 6-foot privacy fence in my back yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
How Placer County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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