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

Title 18 of the Madera County Code regulates the placement of fences but does not contain a chapter prohibiting specific fencing materials. The definitions chapter (18.04) does not even define 'fence,' and there is no general residential prohibition on barbed wire, razor wire, chain link, or electric fencing-reflecting the county's heavily agricultural and rural character, where livestock and agricultural fencing (including barbed wire) is commonplace. The principal material-relevant rule is Section 18.98.050: within the vision setback area at intersections, only open fences through which there is clear vision are allowed above the three-foot limit, so a solid or opaque fence cannot be used to block driver sight lines. Material and construction quality can also become an issue under the County's nuisance provisions if a fence becomes dilapidated or hazardous. Because the County has no affirmative material list, private deed restrictions, covenants, or HOA rules-and state pool-barrier requirements for pool fencing-are often the operative material limits. Confirm any parcel-specific overlay (for example, scenic-highway or architectural-review overlay districts) with Madera County Planning, since overlay zones can impose additional design standards.