Kern County Zoning Code § 19.08.210 limits fences in residential (E and R) districts to 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in side and rear yards. Through-lot rear fences within the rear 25 ft are capped at 4 ft. Barbed wire is restricted near lot lines. Cal. Civ Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) governs cost-sharing.
Under Kern County Code § 19.08.210 (Fences, walls and hedges), in the E (1/4), E (1/2), E (1), E (2-1/2), R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts, no fence, wall, or hedge in the required front yard may exceed 4 feet, and rear/side yard fences may not exceed 6 feet. Through-lot rear fences within 25 feet of the rear line are capped at 4 feet. Barbed wire is prohibited along front, side, or rear lot lines, or within 3 feet of those lines, and sharp points cannot project from the top of any fence under 6 feet. The director may approve higher fences as a discretionary permit condition. Cal. Civ Code §841 splits cost equally between adjoining landowners absent a different agreement; written 30-day notice is required.
Zoning violations are misdemeanors under Kern County Code § 19.106.020, punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail. Each day of violation is a separate offense. Civil abatement is also available.
See how Kern County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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