Butte County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitted urban materials
- Decorative masonry, ornamental steel/iron, wood
- Barbed/razor wire
- Rural/Ag/Industrial/Timber only
- Prohibited
- Sheet metal, vehicle parts, garage doors, corrugated tin, plywood, OSB
- Code section
- BCC Section 24-60
Summary
Butte County Zoning Code Section 24-60 limits residential fence materials to decorative masonry, ornamental steel or iron, or wood. Barbed wire, razor wire, and similar materials are only allowed in rural, agricultural, industrial, and timber zones. Sheet metal, vehicle parts, garage doors, aluminum siding, corrugated tin, plywood, and OSB are prohibited.
Fences and walls shall be constructed of decorative masonary, ornamental steel or iron, or wood. Other materials may be considered if the Zoning Administrator determines the design to be compatible with adjacent structures and its surroudning neighborhood. The use of barbed wire, razor wire, and other similar materials is permitted only in the Rural Residential, Rural Country Residential, Foothill Residential, Foothill Country Residential, Timber Mountain, Industrial, Agriculture, and Timber Production zones. In Urban Zones, fences and walls shall be constructed so that no hazards, such as nails, spikes, wires or other sharp or pointed objects protrude from or exist upon the fence.
Full Breakdown
Under Butte County Code Section 24-60 (Design), fences and walls shall be constructed of decorative masonry, ornamental steel or iron, or wood. Other materials may be considered only if the Zoning Administrator determines the design to be compatible with adjacent structures and the surrounding neighborhood. The use of barbed wire, razor wire, and other similar materials is permitted only in the Rural Residential, Rural Country Residential, Foothill Residential, Foothill Country Residential, Timber Mountain, Industrial, Agriculture, and Timber Production zones. The County's Fencing page (administered by Development Services) lists prohibited materials including sheet metal, vehicle parts, garage doors, aluminum siding, corrugated tin, plywood, OSB, and any other materials not specifically designed for use as fencing. In urban zones, fences and walls must also be constructed so that no hazards such as nails, spikes, wires, or other sharp or pointed objects protrude from or exist upon the fence.
Violations & Fines
Using prohibited materials, or barbed/razor wire in an urban zone, is a Zoning Code violation enforced by the Code Enforcement Division. Existing non-conforming fences must be removed or replaced under the amortization rules in Section 24-61. Penalties may include administrative fines, daily continuing-violation penalties, and misdemeanor prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I top my residential fence with barbed wire in unincorporated Butte County?
Can I build a fence out of corrugated metal or old garage doors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Butte County
California rules heatmap·Compare Butte County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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