Marin County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Marin Co. Dev. Code § 22.20.050
- General Height Cap
- 6 feet above grade
- Street-Facing Setback Cap
- 4 feet (6 ft if 50% open above 4 ft)
- Corner Lot Visibility Triangle
- 2 feet 6 inches max
- Trellis Over Gate
- Up to 8 ft tall, 6 ft wide
Summary
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).
A fence or screening wall having a maximum height of four feet or less above grade may be located within a required setback for a front yard or side yard that abuts a street... the entire section or portion of the fence or wall above four feet in height above grade has a surface area that is at least 50% open and unobstructed by structural elements.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my backyard fence be in unincorporated Marin County?
Can I build a 6-foot fence along the street side of my corner lot?
Can I exceed 4 feet in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
How Marin County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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