Contra Costa County, CA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permits
- Usually none for hedges
- Visibility Triangle
- ~30 in max
- Spite Hedge Cap
- Civil Code §841.4: 10 ft
- Solar Conflict
- Civil Code §714
- ROW Encroachment
- County can order trimming
Summary
Hedges and living screens in unincorporated Contra Costa County are generally treated as landscaping and are not subject to the same permit thresholds as fences, but height limits in corner-lot visibility triangles and spite-fence rules (Civil Code §841.4 over 10 feet) still apply.
(a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b) (1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or necessary replacement of the fence. (2) Where a landowner intends to incur costs for a fence described in paragraph (1), the landowner shall give 30 days’ prior written notice to each affected adjoining landowner. The notice shall include notification of the presumption of equal responsibility for the reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or necessary replacement of the fence.
Full Breakdown
Hedges and vegetative screens in unincorporated Contra Costa County are typically regulated under landscape standards rather than the fence chapter, and most ordinary hedge plantings do not require a permit regardless of height. However, hedges within corner-lot visibility triangles at street intersections and driveway approaches must be maintained at approximately 30 inches to preserve sight distance. Hedges that block significant solar access to a neighbor's legally installed solar system may run into conflict with the Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) protections. 4 bars 'spite fences' over 10 feet in height built maliciously to annoy a neighbor, and courts have applied the doctrine to dense vegetative hedges as well as conventional fences.
Heritage and protected-tree ordinances in certain CPAs, notably Alamo, require permits before removing trees of specified species or diameter, which can limit aggressive hedge-replacement plans. Hedges adjacent to public right-of-way must be trimmed to avoid encroachment over sidewalks, trails, and roadways; the county can order abatement if sightlines or passage are blocked. Maintenance responsibility is treated the same as boundary trees: each owner generally has the right to trim to the property line at their own expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow a 15-foot hedge along my property line?
Can I trim my neighbor's hedge overhanging my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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