Tuolumne County Height Limits Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Few RestrictionsKey Facts
- Permit Required
- Fences over 7 feet tall
- Max Without Permit
- 7 feet
- Front Yard Limit
- Typically 3–4 feet (zoning dependent)
- Building Code
- Chapter 15.04 (CA Building Code adopted)
- Zoning Setbacks
- Title 17 — varies by district
The Short Version
Tuolumne County follows standard California building code requirements for fences. Fences greater than 7 feet in height require a building permit under the California Building Code as adopted by Chapter 15.04 of the county code. Fences 7 feet and under are generally exempt from permit requirements, though they must still comply with zoning setback requirements for the applicable district under Title 17. Front yard fences are typically limited to 3–4 feet in height by zoning standards.
Full Breakdown
Fence regulations in Tuolumne County are relatively straightforward. The county has adopted the California Building Code under Chapter 15.04, which provides a general permit exemption for fences that do not exceed 7 feet in height. If you want to build a fence taller than 7 feet, you'll need to obtain a building permit from the Community Development Department.
While fences under 7 feet don't need a building permit, they still must comply with the zoning regulations in Title 17 of the county code. This means respecting setback requirements for your specific zoning district — particularly in front yards, where fences are commonly limited to 3 to 4 feet to maintain sight lines for traffic safety.
There are specific fencing requirements for certain land uses. For example, under Chapter 17.67 (cannabis cultivation), outdoor cannabis grows must be enclosed by a solid, opaque fence at least 6 feet tall with a lockable gate. Plastic sheeting and tarpaulins do not qualify as acceptable fencing material for this purpose.
For properties in planned communities like Pine Mountain Lake, additional association-level fence rules may apply on top of county requirements. Always check with your HOA if applicable.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Building a fence over 7 feet without a permit can result in fines. Under Chapter 1.10, working without a required permit subjects you to penalty fees starting at $100 (against 50% of the permit fee) up to $1,000 (against 4x the permit fee). The county can also require removal or modification of unpermitted fences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a 6-foot privacy fence?
How tall can a front yard fence be?
What materials can I use for a fence?
Sources & Official References
How does Tuolumne County compare?
See how Tuolumne County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.