Sacramento County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Sacramento County Zoning Code Section 5.2.5 sets fence and wall heights for unincorporated areas, and limits vary by where the fence sits and what it is made of. In a single-family or duplex front yard, the County limits solid walls or fences to 3 feet, semi-open fencing such as picket to 4 feet, open chain link or woven-wire fencing to 4 feet, and open ornamental fencing such as wrought iron to 7 feet. Fences in the side-street yard shall not exceed 7 feet, and interior-yard fences shall not exceed 7 feet and may sit on a retaining wall up to 4 feet (Sections 5.2.5.B.3 and 5.2.5.B.4). In the Agricultural (AG) and Agricultural-Residential (AR) zones the maximum is 7 feet for open or solid fencing, including front yards (Section 5.2.5.B.2). Height is measured a specific way near streets: for fences within five feet of a public right-of-way the height is measured from the grade of the right-of-way, and beyond five feet from the highest elevation of the ground on either side of the fence. A front-yard fence over the listed limits, up to 7 feet, may be allowed with a Minor Use Permit (Section 5.2.5.B.1.a.vi). Always confirm your zoning, because measurement and exceptions differ by district.