Contra Costa County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max fence height without permit
- 7 feet
- Code Section
- Ord. Code 72-6.202
- Masonry/concrete walls
- Always require a permit
- Permit office
- Building Inspection Division, (925) 655-2700
Summary
In unincorporated Contra Costa County, fences may be built up to 7 feet tall without a building permit. Anything taller, or any concrete or masonry wall, requires a permit from the County Building Inspection Division.
According to the 2022 California Residential Code (CRC), permits shall not be required for the following: ... 2. Fences not over 7 feet high. Concrete and masonry walls are considered walls, not fences and do require building permits.
Full Breakdown
Per Contra Costa County Ordinance Code Section 72-6.202 and the County's adoption of the 2022 California Residential Code, building permits are not required for 'Fences not over 7 feet high.' Concrete and masonry walls are treated as walls (not fences) and require a permit regardless of height. Where a retaining wall and fence are stacked, the combined structure may not exceed 7 feet total and the retaining wall portion may not exceed 3 feet. Sight-distance rules at intersections (Chapter 82-18) further cap height to 2.5 feet above curb grade within the corner triangle, regardless of the 7-foot allowance elsewhere.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining a fence taller than 7 feet without a permit, or a concrete/masonry wall of any height without a permit, is a violation of the Building Code. The county can issue stop-work orders, require permits after the fact (with potential double fees), and pursue code enforcement; continuing violations may be prosecuted as misdemeanors under the County Ordinance Code's general penalty provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a 6-foot wood fence around my backyard without a permit?
Does the 7-foot limit apply to a cinder-block wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
How Contra Costa County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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