In unincorporated Monterey County (Title 21 inland, Title 20 coastal), fences may not exceed 6 feet in any zoning district unless they meet accessory-structure setbacks. In a required front yard, or in a side yard adjoining a street on a reverse corner lot, fences are capped at 4 feet. Cal. Civ Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) governs cost-sharing.
Monterey County zoning is split between Title 20 (coastal zone) and Title 21 (inland), administered by Housing & Community Development. Per County guidance and Chapters 20.62/21.62 (Height and Setback Exceptions) and the residential development standards, fences, walls, and hedges generally may not exceed 6 feet anywhere on the lot, and the maximum is 4 feet within a required front yard or within a side yard adjoining a street on a reverse corner lot. Building permits are not required for concrete or masonry fences up to 6 feet, wood, vinyl, or metal fences up to 8 feet, or open metal fences up to 10 feet, but a zoning clearance is still required. Coastal zone properties are subject to additional Coastal Development Permit review under Title 20. Cal. Civ Code §841 splits shared boundary fence costs equally between adjoining owners absent a written agreement and requires 30 days' written notice.
Zoning violations are prosecutable as infractions or misdemeanors under MCC Title 1 general penalty provisions, with daily fines and abatement actions through Code Compliance. Coastal zone violations may also trigger California Coastal Commission review and restoration orders.
See how Monterey County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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