Ceres, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front/street-side solid fence max
- 3 feet
- See-through fence (front) max
- 4 feet
- Backyard/side fence max
- 7 feet (8 ft on slope)
- Taller fence
- needs Planning Commission approval
- Pool fence gates
- self-closing, self-latching required
Summary
Ceres caps solid fences at 3 feet in front and street-side yards, but backyard and side fences can run up to 7 feet: 8 feet on a sloped lot.
A. Within front and exterior side yard setbacks. No fence shall exceed three feet in height for solid fencing, or four feet in height for wrought iron, chain-link or picket fencing that is see-through... B. Remaining yard area. No fence shall exceed seven feet in height from the highest elevation from the ground as long as the overall height of the fence does not exceed eight feet measured from the lowest elevation on the neighboring property immediately adjacent to the fence, unless notification is given to the adjacent property owners and approval is granted by the Planning Commission.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Ceres Municipal Code § 18.27.030 splits fence height by yard location: front and exterior side setbacks are limited to 3 feet for solid fencing (4 feet for see-through wrought iron, chain-link, or picket), while the rest of the lot, the backyard and interior side yards where privacy fencing typically goes, can reach 7 feet measured from the higher grade, or 8 feet from the lower neighboring grade on sloped lots. Taller fences need Planning Commission approval and neighbor notice. All doors and gates within 2 feet of a street or walk must swing inward, and any fence enclosing a swimming pool needs a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Violations & Fines
Code Enforcement (Title 19) issues an abatement notice for a fence built over height without Planning Commission approval; the owner must lower or remove the excess height or apply for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a backyard privacy fence be in Ceres?
Can I build a solid fence along my front yard in Ceres?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ceres
How Ceres compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Ceres to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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