Rancho Cordova, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited materials
- Chain-link, barbed wire, electrified, razor, concertina wire
- Allowed materials
- Redwood, cedar, pine, Douglas fir, vinyl, wrought iron
- Exception
- City approval under Ch. 23.125 for security needs
- Enforcing agency
- Neighborhood services division code enforcement
- Misdemeanor fine
- Up to $1,000 and six months jail
- Repeat violation penalty
- Treble abatement costs under Gov. Code § 38773.7
Summary
Rancho Cordova's nuisance code bans chain-link, barbed wire, electrified, razor, and concertina wire on residential fences and walls unless the city approves an exception for security needs or state or federal law requires it. Residential fences must be built from redwood, cedar, pine, Douglas fir, vinyl, wrought iron, or another material the planning director approves. Violations are treated as a public nuisance under RCMC § 16.18.1703(Q).
Q. The installment of a chain-link, barbed wire or electrified fence, razor, or concertina wire in conjunction with a fence or wall, unless approved pursuant to Chapter 23.125 RCMC for security needs or as required by city, state or federal regulation. Fences shall be constructed with redwood, cedar, pine, Douglas fir, vinyl, wrought iron, or any other fencing material approved by the planning director;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4660102; v2 updated 2026-03-02; through 03-02-2026).
Full Breakdown
18. The section prohibits installing a chain-link, barbed wire, electrified, razor, or concertina wire fence on residential property, whether standalone or paired with another fence or wall. 125 RCMC, the administrative use permit chapter, for a genuine security need, or where city, state, or federal regulation requires the wire. Absent that approval, the code specifies the only acceptable materials: redwood, cedar, pine, Douglas fir, vinyl, or wrought iron, plus any other material the planning director separately approves. 080(I), separately allows electric fencing by right only in the M-2 heavy industrial zone, or in the M-1 or M-2 zone bordering another district with an administrative use permit, and only around nonresidential outdoor storage or contractor's yards, confirming electric fencing has no residential path in Rancho Cordova outside the security exception.
205: as an infraction carrying a fine set under Government Code § 36900, escalating to a misdemeanor charge after a third conviction of the same section, punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail. 7.
Violations & Fines
A prohibited fence cited under RCMC § 16.18.1703(Q) is enforced as a nuisance-code infraction under § 16.18.205, fined per Government Code § 36900. A third conviction of the same section can be charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail. Repeat violations within two years can bring treble abatement costs under Government Code § 38773.7, and the city may also issue an administrative citation instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a barbed wire fence around my Rancho Cordova home?
Are electric fences ever allowed in Rancho Cordova?
What happens if I keep a prohibited fence after being cited?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cordova
California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cordova to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle material restrictions.