Marin County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Marin Co. Dev. Code § 22.20.050
- Transparency Above 4 ft
- At least 50% open and unobstructed
- Zone 0 Wildfire Rule
- Cal. Gov. Code § 51182 / Pub. Res. Code § 4291 (AB 3074)
- Non-Combustible Zone
- Within 5 ft of structures
Summary
Marin County does not categorically prohibit fence materials, but fences taller than 4 feet in front yards or street-side setbacks must be at least 50% open above the 4-foot mark. State Zone 0 wildfire rules also affect non-combustible material requirements within 5 feet of structures.
the entire section or portion of the fence or wall above four feet in height above grade has a surface area that is at least 50% open and unobstructed by structural elements.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
050 does not contain an explicit list of prohibited fence materials, but it imposes a transparency standard on tall street-facing fences: the portion above 4 feet must have a surface area that is at least 50% open and unobstructed by structural elements. , solid wood plank, masonry) above 4 feet in those setbacks and requires open materials such as lattice, wrought iron, or wire mesh. Open wooden-post and wire-mesh fences up to 6 feet may also be installed on lots where no primary use has been established.
Separately, California Government Code § 51182 and Public Resources Code § 4291 (as updated by AB 3074, 2020) require an ember-resistant Zone 0 within 5 feet of any structure in a State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (which covers much of unincorporated Marin); regulations being implemented by the Board of Forestry require non-combustible materials in that zone, including for fence sections directly attached to homes.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant fence materials in street-facing setbacks must be modified or removed. Wildfire-zone violations of Zone 0 requirements may be cited by Cal Fire or local fire districts and create insurance complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there banned fence materials in Marin County?
Do I need a non-combustible fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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