Under Chico Municipal Code (CMC) §19.60.060, front-yard fences on standard parcels are capped at 3 feet, while side and rear yard fences may rise to 7 feet. Greater heights require an administrative use permit or use permit through the Planning Division.
CMC §19.60.060 sets fence and wall heights by yard location. On standard (non-corner) parcels, fences in the front yard setback may not exceed 3 feet; this may be increased to 4 feet with an administrative use permit or up to 6 feet with a use permit per CMC Chapter 19.24. Side yards outside the front-yard setback area and rear yards are capped at 7 feet, and may be increased to 8 feet by administrative use permit. Corner parcels have additional visibility-triangle restrictions to preserve sight lines for traffic safety. Height is measured per CMC §19.60.070 from finished grade on the higher side. Combined fence-on-retaining-wall heights count cumulatively where they sit on the same plane.
Fences exceeding the by-right height limit without an approved use permit are zoning violations enforced by Chico Code Enforcement. Typical remedy is a notice ordering the fence be lowered or permit obtained; civil penalties accrue under CMC Title 1 for continued non-compliance.
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