California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes shared boundary fence costs are split equally. Written 30-day notice is required before starting or demanding contribution. Galt does not override these state rules.
California Civil Code 841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013, governs shared boundary fences between adjoining residential property owners. It creates a rebuttable presumption that both neighbors benefit equally from a boundary fence and should share costs of construction and maintenance equally. Before starting work or demanding contribution, the neighbor proposing the fence must provide written notice at least 30 days in advance, describing the problem with the existing fence, the proposed replacement or repair, the estimated cost, the proposed cost split, and the proposed timeline. A neighbor disputing the presumption (for example, arguing the proposed fence is much more expensive than necessary or mostly benefits one party) can rebut it with evidence. The Galt Municipal Code does not override these state-level cost-sharing rules. California Civil Code 841.4 additionally prohibits spite fences: fences over 10 feet built maliciously to annoy a neighbor can be enjoined and give rise to damages. Property line disputes should be resolved via a licensed surveyor rather than relying on prior fence locations, which are often not on the true property line.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle neighbor fence rules.
See how Galt's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
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