Kern County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard max
- 4 feet (E, R-1, R-2, R-3 districts)
- Side/rear yard max
- 6 feet (E, R-1, R-2, R-3 districts)
- Through lot rear 25 ft
- 4 feet max
- Reversed corner lot
- 4 feet within 10 ft of rear lot line
- Code Section
- Kern County Code § 19.08.210
- Measurement
- Measured from finished interior grade
Summary
In Kern County's Estate (E) and Residential (R-1, R-2, R-3) zones, fences in the required front yard cannot exceed 4 feet, while side and rear yard fences are capped at 6 feet. Heights are measured from finished interior grade.
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 located in the required front yard shall exceed a height of four (4) feet... no fence, wall or hedge located in the rear or side yards shall exceed a height of six (6) feet, except when a higher fence, wall or hedge is required as a condition of approval of a discretionary permit.
Full Breakdown
Per Kern County Code of Ordinances Title 19 (Zoning), § 19.08.210, 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 located in the required front yard shall exceed a height of four (4) feet, and no fence, wall or hedge located in the rear or side yards shall exceed a height of six (6) feet. The rear twenty-five (25) feet of a through lot is also capped at four (4) feet. Reversed corner lots are restricted to four (4) feet within ten (10) feet of the rear lot line between the street and the established front-yard setback line on the key lot to the rear. Greater heights may be approved as a condition of a discretionary permit or by the Planning Director.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Title 19 are misdemeanors under Chapter 19.114, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six (6) months in county jail. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Code enforcement may also require the fence be lowered or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a fence taller than 6 feet in my back yard?
How is fence height measured in Kern County?
Do these limits apply inside Bakersfield or other cities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
How Kern County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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