Walnut Creek, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Walnut Creek's zoning code limits fence heights by location on the lot. In rear yards and interior side yards, solid fences and walls may be up to six feet tall without a permit. In front-yard setbacks and along street-side yards on corner lots, fences are typically limited to three and a half feet if solid, with up to four feet allowed for open-style fences (such as pickets or wrought iron with at least 50% transparency). Corner visibility triangles at intersections and driveways require fences to be no more than 30 inches tall within a prescribed triangle (often 10-15 feet on each leg from the curb face) to preserve sight distance for drivers and pedestrians. Fences over six feet require a building permit and may be subject to design review; anything over seven feet or eight feet typically requires a minor variance or administrative permit. Retaining walls are measured separately (see retaining-walls subcategory). Trellises and garden arbors integrated into a fence must still comply with the overall height limit at the fence line. Hillside and view-sensitive neighborhoods may have additional design review triggers.