Monterey County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- General Height Rule
- 6 ft max unless it meets accessory-structure setback
- Governing Code
- Title 21 (inland) / Title 20 (coastal)
- Easement Rule
- Fence cannot encroach on utility/road easement
- Design Control District
- Design Approval required
- Planning Contact
- HCD Planning (831) 755-5025
Summary
In unincorporated Monterey County, the Building & Planning Services FAQ states a fence generally may not exceed six feet high unless it meets the setback required for a non-habitable accessory structure in that zoning district. Title 21 (inland) and Title 20 (coastal) govern; height limits are tied to setback location, not a flat number.
In all zoning districts, your fence may not be more than six feet high unless it meets the setback requirements for an accessory structure (non-habitable).
Full Breakdown
Monterey County's zoning, not the City of Monterey, controls fences on unincorporated parcels. " That ties taller fences to the same setback a small detached structure would need in your district. The applicable rules are in Title 21 (inland) for most of the county and Title 21's coastal counterpart, Title 20, inside the Coastal Zone. 62 coastal), which exempt fences from some encroachment limits but not easements. Because actual permitted height depends on where the fence sits relative to required yards, the County advises contacting HCD Planning. Properties in a Design Control District also need a separate Design Approval before building a fence, even one under six feet.
Violations & Fines
Fences exceeding height or setback rules are zoning violations enforced by Monterey County HCD Code Compliance. Owners may be required to lower or relocate the fence and can face daily civil penalties until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall a fence can I build in unincorporated Monterey County?
Do these County rules apply inside the City of Monterey?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
How Monterey County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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