Lake County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

The County of Lake Zoning Ordinance does not impose a general list of permitted or prohibited fence materials for ordinary residential fences in unincorporated areas; wood, vinyl, masonry, chain link and similar materials are commonly used subject to height and setback rules. The material rules that the ordinance does impose are tied to visibility and safety. Under Section 42.11(a), on a corner lot the portion of a front-yard fence that exceeds three feet and is located within fifty (50) feet of the corner property line must be constructed of wire mesh, chain link or other material allowing unobstructed visibility. Under Section 42.3(a), agricultural fences over four feet may occupy any required yard in districts where agricultural uses are permitted only if constructed of wire mesh, chain link or other material allowing unobstructed visibility above four feet. For purposes of the official road setback lines, Section 42.22(e) distinguishes 'wire fences or similar fences which are largely transparent' and 'solid fences under three (3) feet in height' (which are exempt) from solid fences (which are not). Masonry and concrete fence walls have a separate building-code threshold: walls over four feet from grade require an engineered building permit (CBC 105.2). Owners should also check homeowners' association CC&Rs, which the County does not enforce, for any private material or design restrictions.