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

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

Key Facts

State Law
Civil Code §841
Cost Split
50/50 presumption
Notice
30 days written
Spite Fence
Over 10 ft banned
Rebuttal
Unequal benefit/hardship

Summary

California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) governs Livermore boundary fences. Costs presumed split equally; 30-day written notice required before construction.

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, 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.

Source: CA Civil Code §841View official code

Full Breakdown

CA Civil Code §841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013, creates a legal presumption that adjoining property owners share equally in reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, and replacement of boundary fences benefitting both properties. The statute requires 30 days' written notice before beginning work, including estimated costs, description, timeline, and proposed cost-sharing. Neighbors may rebut the equal-share presumption by showing unequal benefit or undue hardship. CA Civil Code §841.4 prohibits 'spite fences' over 10 feet built maliciously.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my neighbor won't pay half?
Send written 30-day notice per Civil Code §841 with cost estimate. If they refuse, you can pursue small claims court; the 50/50 split is a legal presumption.
What is a spite fence?
CA Civil Code §841.4 defines it as a fence over 10 feet built maliciously to annoy a neighbor. Injunctive relief and damages are available.

Sources & Official References

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