In unincorporated Contra Costa County, residential fences may be up to 6 feet tall in side and rear yards and typically 3 to 4 feet in front yard setbacks. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Corner-lot visibility triangles further restrict height.
Contra Costa County's zoning code (Title 8) sets residential fence heights at a maximum of 6 feet in side and rear yards and generally 3 to 4 feet in front yard setback areas. Fences over 6 feet in height require a building permit from the Department of Conservation and Development and must meet structural requirements. On corner lots, a 'visibility triangle' at the intersection of streets and driveways restricts fences, hedges, and structures to typically 30 inches to preserve sight distance for motorists. Retaining walls with an attached fence on top are calculated on the retained-earth height plus fence height for permit purposes; combined heights over 6 feet almost always require a permit. In agricultural zones and large-lot residential, taller perimeter fencing for livestock is allowed. Pool barriers follow separate minimum heights under state pool-safety law (Health & Safety Code §115920+), which sets a 60-inch minimum. Fences that reduce solar access to a neighbor's legally installed solar system may conflict with California Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) protections. Spite fences over 10 feet built maliciously are barred by Civil Code §841.4.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Contra Costa County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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