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

Calaveras County's Zoning Code (Title 17) does not contain a general list of prohibited residential fence materials (no countywide ban on barbed wire, electric, or razor wire was found in the adopted Zoning Code). This is consistent with the county's rural, agricultural character, where the Resource Zones (GF, TP, A1, AP, RA) accommodate farming and ranching uses. The Code does include targeted material rules in specific contexts. For example, in the telecommunications standards the Code provides that 'No chain link fences shall be visible from public view' and that security fencing 'shall not exceed the fence height limit of the base zoning district,' indicating chain-link screening is regulated for certain facilities rather than residences. The visibility standard in Section 17.16.140 also functions as a material restriction in the sight-triangle, prohibiting any 'view obstructing structure, fence, wall, hedge, or other obstacle' between 2 feet 6 inches and 8 feet within the required visual clearance area. All fences must also comply with Title 15, Building and Construction, which adopts the California Building Code; that code's permit threshold for fences over 7 feet applies regardless of material. Because material rules can appear in specific use standards or design-review overlays, property owners should confirm with the Calaveras County Planning Department, especially in Design Review (DR) overlay areas.