In unincorporated Marin County, solid fences and screening walls cannot exceed 6 feet above grade. Within front yards or side yards abutting a street, the limit drops to 4 feet (or up to 6 feet if the portion above 4 feet is at least 50% open).
Marin County Development Code Section 22.20.050 (Fencing and Screening Standards) governs fence height in unincorporated areas. Solid fences and screening walls have a general 6-foot height cap measured from grade. Within a required setback for a front yard or side yard that abuts a street, fences are limited to 4 feet maximum, unless the section above 4 feet has a surface area that is at least 50% open and unobstructed by structural elements — in which case a 6-foot height is permitted. On corner lots, fences within the front and street-side setbacks may not exceed 2 feet 6 inches above the adjacent street level inside the visibility triangle. Where ground levels differ between adjoining lots, height is measured from grade on either side of the fence so the structure cannot exceed 6 feet from either side. Trellises above gates may reach 8 feet high and 6 feet wide within required setbacks.
Fences exceeding the height limits are zoning violations subject to enforcement under Title 22, including stop-work orders, removal demands, and civil penalties. Owners may apply for a variance under Chapter 22.54 if they need to exceed these limits.
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