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

Sonoma County Zoning Code Section 26-88-030(a) is the core fence-height rule for the unincorporated county. In an AR, RR, R1, R2, R3 or K district, no fence may exceed six feet (6') within any required side yard to the rear of the front line of a dwelling or along any rear property line, nor exceed three feet (3') within any required front yard, within fifteen feet (15') of a street corner, or within any required exterior side yard on a corner lot, without first securing a use permit. In December 2025 the Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 6547 (File ORD25-0006) adding objective fence standards. Under Permit Sonoma's PJR-133 Fence Guidelines, the maximum heights in residential/K districts are now 6 feet in the front/street-side yard setback and 8 feet in side and rear yard setbacks; portions above the base limit must be open or wooden-lattice design. Outside required setbacks, and in agricultural/resource zones (LEA, LIA, DA, RRD), there are generally no height or setback restrictions. Height is measured from the lowest existing grade to the topmost point. Heights beyond these thresholds require administrative design review, design review, or a use permit. Setbacks and the exact yard depths vary by zoning district, so confirm your zone with Permit Sonoma before building.