Chico, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 19.60.060(H)(1)
- Standard height
- 6 feet, wood or masonry
- With lattice top
- Up to 7 feet allowed
- Triggers when
- Multi-family/commercial adjoins residential
Summary
Where multi-family, commercial, or manufacturing property in Chico adjoins a residential zone, the code requires a 6-foot sight-obscuring wood fence or masonry wall along the shared property line for privacy screening.
Wherever a site zoned for multi-family residential, commercial, or manufacturing purposes adjoins a residential zoning district, a 6-foot-high wood fence or solid decorative masonry wall (7 feet if one foot of lattice or other 50% view permeable material is incorporated into the top one foot of the fence design) shall be constructed along the property line adjoining the residential zoning district. The fence or wall shall be architecturally treated on both sides, subject to the approval of the Director, the Commission, or the Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board if part of a project review.
2. Equipment. Any equipment, whether on the roof, side of structure, or ground, loading docks, service yards, trash and storage areas, and utility services shall be properly screened from public view. The method of screening shall be architecturally compatible with other site development in terms of materials, colors, shape, and size. The screening design and construction shall be subject to the approval of the Director, or the Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board if part of a project review, and shall blend with the design of the structures and include appropriately installed and maintained landscaping when on the ground.
3. Outdoor Storage and Work Yards. All auto dismantling operations, auto wrecking yards, building materials supply yards, junk yards, lumber yards,
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code § 19.60.060(H)(1) requires a 6-foot-high wood fence or solid decorative masonry wall wherever multi-family, commercial, or manufacturing property adjoins a residential zoning district; the wall may rise to 7 feet if the top foot uses lattice or other 50%-permeable material. The fence or wall must be architecturally treated on both sides, subject to Director, Planning Commission, or Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board approval when it is part of a larger project review.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required screening wall, or below the mandated height, is an infraction under § 1.04.120, enforced by the Community Development Director as a zoning code violation with each day counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chico require a privacy fence between commercial and residential properties?
Can a chain-link fence meet Chico's screening requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
How Chico compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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