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

Placer County Code Section 17.54.030 (Landscaping and fencing) establishes the residential fence height regime. Under Section 17.54.030.B.1, fence height within the front setback is limited to three feet, except that 'open wire, chain link, wood rail, or other similar types of fencing (consisting of only such materials as do not conflict with vehicle sight distance, as determined by the department of public works) may be constructed to a height of four feet in the residential single-family (RS) where the site and surrounding parcels are at least one acre in size.' Side, street-side, and rear setbacks generally allow solid fencing to six feet, with open-style street-side fencing up to seven feet permitted outside of public utility easements. Retaining wall and fence combined heights may reach up to eight feet when located in a side or rear yard area outside required front or street-side setbacks. Property owners who need a taller front-yard fence must apply for a variance under Section 17.60.100, as confirmed in the November 2024 Hunter Variance staff report (PLN24-00276), which required Zoning Administrator approval to allow a 5-foot wrought iron fence in a front setback where 4 feet is the maximum.