Citrus Heights, CA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- Civil Code §841
- Cost Split
- 50/50 presumption
- Notice
- 30 days written
- Spite Fence
- CC §841.4 over 10 ft
- Court
- Sac Small Claims
Summary
California Civil Code §841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013, governs boundary fences in Citrus Heights. Adjoining landowners are presumed equally responsible for reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or replacement of boundary fences. Written 30-day notice is required before construction.
(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. The notice shall include a description of the nature of the problem facing the shared fence, the proposed solution for addressing the problem, the estimated construction or maintenance costs involved to address the problem, the proposed cost sharing approach, and the proposed timeline for getting the problem addressed.
Full Breakdown
California Civil Code §841 creates a statewide cost-sharing framework for boundary fences that preempts inconsistent local ordinances. Key provisions: adjoining landowners are presumed to share equally the reasonable cost of construction, maintenance, or necessary replacement of a boundary fence. A property owner who intends to alter a shared fence must give 30 days written notice to the adjoining owner. The notice must describe the problem, the proposed solution, cost estimates, timeline, and the proposed cost share. A neighbor who objects can rebut the equal-share presumption in small claims court by showing the presumption is unjust (disparate benefit, financial hardship, or unwanted work). Civil Code §841.4 prohibits spite fences over 10 feet built maliciously. The city does not mediate boundary disputes; unresolved issues go to Sacramento County Superior Court small claims (up to $12,500 for individuals).
Violations & Fines
Civil matter. Neighbor may sue for half the fence cost if notice procedures followed. Spite fence remedies: removal order + damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my neighbor have to pay half for a new fence?
Can I build a tall fence to block my neighbor's view?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Citrus Heights
California rules heatmap·Compare Citrus Heights to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Neighbor Fence Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle neighbor fence rules.