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Clovis, CA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Shared Cost
CA Civ §841
Notice Required
30 days written
Spite Fence
CA Civ §841.4 (>10 ft)
Forum
Civil court

Summary

CA Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal shared cost between adjoining owners for boundary fences. CA Civil §841.4 prohibits spite fences over 10 ft intended to annoy neighbors. Written 30-day notice before construction required for cost sharing.

841.   (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

Source: California Civil Code 841 - Good Neighbor Fence ActView official code

Full Breakdown

The Good Neighbor Fence Act requires 30 days' written notice to neighbor with cost estimate, design, and timeline before claiming shared cost. Neighbor may rebut equal-share presumption with evidence of disproportionate benefit. Spite fences (over 10 ft maliciously built to annoy) are a private nuisance under §841.4. Clovis does not have local boundary fence mediation beyond state law.

Violations & Fines

Non-payment of shared cost: civil court action. Spite fence: abatement plus damages via private nuisance suit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my neighbor have to split the cost of a boundary fence?
Under CA Civil §841 there's a presumption of equal shared cost, but you must give 30 days' written notice with details first, and the neighbor can rebut the presumption.
What is a spite fence?
A fence over 10 ft in height built maliciously to annoy a neighbor. CA Civil §841.4 classifies this as a private nuisance allowing the neighbor to sue for abatement and damages.

Sources & Official References

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