Fairfield, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front 15 ft height
- 42 inches
- Beyond 15 ft height
- 7 feet
- Corner sight-triangle limit
- 24 inches
- Sight-triangle leg distance
- 30 feet from intersection
- Governing section
- FMC § 25.30.2(C)(1), (D)(1)
Summary
Fairfield caps residential fences at 42 inches within 15 feet of the front property line and allows 7 feet beyond that line under Zoning Code Section 25.30.2(C)(1). Corner-lot fences over 24 inches are barred from the sight-triangle formed where curb lines intersect, per Section 25.30.2(D)(1).
Single-family residential uses. Fences, walls, or hedges on a property with a single-family home, duet, or duplex shall be limited to a height of 42 inches within 15 feet of the front property line, and to seven feet in height beyond 15 feet from the front property line. ... Fences on corner parcels. No fence, wall, hedge, or other visual obstruction over 24 inches in height shall be constructed where traffic visibility will be impeded, i.e., in that portion of a street corner that is located within the triangle formed by the intersecting curb lines and a line connecting the points drawn 30 feet away from their point of intersection on the lines
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4962673; v0 updated 2026-02-17).
Full Breakdown
The Fairfield Municipal Code sets fence height by land use and location rather than a single citywide number. 2(C)(1) limits fences to 42 inches within the first 15 feet back from the front property line, then allows up to 7 feet for the rest of the lot. 2(D)(6), though that height can rise to 7 feet when the fence sits at least 10 feet from the side property line or the adjacent curb face, depending on how the corner lot's rear line relates to the neighboring driveway's location.
2(B)(2) measures the allowed height from the finished grade of the higher parcel, so a fence cannot be built artificially taller by using the lower side as the reference point. 2(D)(1) bars any fence, wall, hedge, or obstruction over 24 inches inside the triangle formed by the intersecting curb lines and points drawn 30 feet back along each leg, with narrow exceptions for trimmed trees and utility poles. Fences between two residential backyards, behind the front setback, can reach 8 feet if every abutting owner gives the Community Development Department written consent. 1413 routes enforcement through Chapter 1, Article II (Administrative Citations) and Chapter 12 (Offenses) of the City Code.
Violations & Fines
A fence built over the applicable height limit, or one that blocks the corner sight-triangle, is a City Code violation enforced through an Administrative Citation under Chapter 1, Article II. Under the general penalty in Section 1.7, a first offense is an infraction carrying a fine up to $100, a second offense within a year up to $250, and a third or later offense can be charged as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 or up to six months in county jail. Each day the fence remains noncompliant counts as a separate violation, and the Director of Community Development can require removal or rebuilding to the compliant height.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front yard fence be in Fairfield?
Does my corner lot have extra fence rules?
Can I get a taller fence approved between neighbors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfield
How Fairfield compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Fairfield to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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