Calaveras County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Calaveras County's Zoning Code, adopted July 16, 2024 and effective August 15, 2024, governs unincorporated land but does not publish a flat maximum fence height in its residential or resource zone development standards. Instead, Section 17.02.030.C.2 explains how to measure a fence: 'The height of a fence or wall is measured as the vertical distance from the ground level on the lowest external side of the fence or wall to the highest point of such fence or wall.' Section 17.16.080.A.1.d lists 'Fences, retaining walls, decorative walls, arbors, trellises, and similar features' as allowed encroachments into required setbacks, 'subject to applicable requirements of Title 15, Building and Construction.' Elsewhere the Code refers to 'the fence height limit of the base zoning district' (Section 17.16.060-style security-fencing provisions), confirming height is controlled through the building code rather than a separate zoning number. Title 15 adopts the California Building Code, whose Section 105.2 exempts fences not over 7 feet high from a building permit. Practically, a fence up to 7 feet tall generally does not require a county building permit, while taller fences do. Corner-lot and driveway visibility rules in Section 17.16.140 separately restrict obstructions in the sight-triangle. Heights can vary by zone, so confirm with the Planning Department.