Hedges in Concord that function as fences are subject to the same height limits as fences: generally 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Overgrown hedges obstructing sight triangles or sidewalks can be abated as a public nuisance. Hedges on boundary lines can be shared under California Civil Code §841 principles.
Concord treats hedges functioning as boundary barriers (thick, continuous plantings) similarly to fences under Municipal Code Title 18 when they serve the same privacy or enclosure function. Standard hedge heights in residential zones match fence limits: approximately 3.5 feet in front-yard setbacks to maintain sight lines and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Taller ornamental shrubs are generally allowed when not functioning as an enclosure, but cities scrutinize dense continuous plantings. On corner lots, sight-distance triangles require vegetation to be maintained below 3 feet to ensure traffic safety. Hedges encroaching over public sidewalks must be trimmed to maintain 8 feet vertical clearance for pedestrians (California Streets and Highways Code §5610 makes adjacent owners responsible for sidewalk maintenance). Overgrown vegetation is subject to abatement under Health & Safety Code §14875. Boundary hedges may qualify for the Civil Code §841 cost-sharing framework by analogy, though courts treat living hedges differently from constructed fences. HOA CC&Rs typically regulate hedge species, heights, and trimming schedules.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle neighbor fence rules.
See how Concord's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
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