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

California Civil Code §841 creates a statutory presumption that adjoining landowners equally benefit from any fence dividing their parcels and therefore share construction, maintenance, and replacement costs equally. To compel a neighbor to contribute, the law requires 30 days' prior written notice that describes (1) the nature of the problem, (2) the proposed solution, (3) the estimated cost, (4) the proposed cost-sharing approach, and (5) a timeline. A neighbor can rebut the equal-share presumption with a preponderance of evidence showing it would be unjust, considering whether the burden is disproportionate, whether the cost exceeds the property-value benefit, or whether it creates undue financial hardship. Fairfield's Municipal Code does not override this state framework. Property-line disputes (encroachment, surveyors, easements) are civil matters; Solano County Superior Court Small Claims handles disputes up to $12,500. The city's Code Compliance Division (707-428-7587) does not mediate boundary disputes but will enforce height or permit violations.