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

Unincorporated Madera County is governed by the Madera County Code, Title 18 (Zoning). Unlike many city codes, Title 18 contains no standalone chapter capping fence height in the front, side, or rear yard, and the code's definitions chapter (18.04) has no definition of 'fence'. The principal Title 18 limits that affect fences are the vision setback rules: under Section 18.98.050, within the vision setback area at street, highway, alley, or railroad intersections no structure may exceed three feet above the elevation of the intersection's center point, except for open fences through which there is clear vision. Section 18.98.040 establishes how those triangular vision-setback areas are measured (30, 60, or 100 feet from the intersection depending on street width/railroad). Section 18.98.030 expressly lists fences among the items that ARE allowed in the street setback area. Outside of vision-clearance zones, fence height is effectively limited only by the California Building Code permit threshold (a permit is required above 7 feet) and any private deed or HOA restrictions. Always confirm current rules with Madera County Planning, 200 W. 4th Street, Madera.