Sacramento County Height Limits Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Sacramento County's fence regulations are found in Section 5.2.5 of the Zoning Code. The rules distinguish between front yards, interior side yards, rear yards, and street-side yards, and also differentiate by fence construction type.

In the front yard — defined as the first 20 feet from the back of the sidewalk — fence height limits depend on the opacity of the fence. Solid walls and fences cannot exceed 3 feet. Semi-open fencing such as picket fences or chain link cannot exceed 4 feet. Open fencing like wrought iron can be up to 7 feet. These tiered limits help maintain visibility and neighborhood character while allowing property owners choices in fence design.

Interior side yard and rear yard fences in all zones are limited to 7 feet in height, and may be placed on a retaining wall not exceeding 4 feet. Retaining wall and fence combinations exceeding 7 feet require a Minor Use Permit. Side-street yard fences can be up to 7 feet, measured from the sidewalk elevation or, where there is no sidewalk, from the road surface.

Several special exceptions apply. Fences up to 8 feet are permitted along rear or interior side property lines that abut a school, park, alley, or nonresidential use. Properties adjacent to freeways or railroads may construct solid sound walls up to 12 feet. Decorative gateway features are allowed up to 10 feet high with a maximum length of 8 feet and width of 24 inches. At street intersections and driveways, fences in the triangular visibility areas cannot exceed 3.5 feet to maintain sight lines for safety.

Prohibited fence materials include plywood less than five-eighths inches thick, unapproved plywood grades, particle board, paper, visqueen plastic, plastic tarp, cloth, or similar materials. Under the California Building Code, most residential fences 7 feet or under do not require a building permit.