Folsom, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 17.52.300(C) lists the minor modifications exempt from the historic district's design review process, and item (e) covers fencing: "privacy walls and fencing, excluding chain link, which is not allowed." The structure of the exemption list matters here. Every other item on the list, replacement roofing, replacement windows, small patio covers, solar panels, aboveground spas, is exempt from review but still permitted; chain link is called out differently, as a material the code says outright is not allowed, rather than one merely requiring commission sign-off.

That makes chain link the only fencing material Folsom's code names as barred, and it applies specifically within the historic district boundaries described in FMC 17.52.140, covering the Sutter Street, River Way, Railroad Wye, and Resort subareas along with the adjoining historic residential and open space/public primary areas. Outside the historic district, Folsom's zoning code does not carry a parallel materials ban; the general yard-fence standard in FMC 17.58.070(J) regulates height in "R" districts without restricting the fencing material used. Property owners inside the historic district who want a solid privacy fence or wall in wood, vinyl, wrought iron, or masonry can install it without triggering design review at all, provided it otherwise meets the height limits in FMC 17.52.440; only the chain link material choice pulls a fence project out of the exempt category and into prohibited territory.