California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code §841) requires adjoining landowners to share the cost of maintaining a boundary fence equally. Spite fences exceeding 10 feet built to annoy neighbors are prohibited under Civil Code §841.4.
The California Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code §841) applies in Stockton and requires adjoining landowners to share equally in the responsibility for maintaining a boundary fence. Either neighbor may request the other to contribute to the cost of a reasonable replacement or repair. A spite fence (one exceeding 10 feet built maliciously to annoy a neighbor) constitutes a private nuisance under Civil Code §841.4. Stockton's fence height and setback requirements under SMC Title 16 also apply. Disputes over boundary fences should first be addressed through direct communication or mediation.
Civil remedy: neighbor can sue for share of costs. Spite fence: injunction + damages. Small claims court for disputes under $12,500.
Stockton, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Joaquin County.
See how other cities in San Joaquin County handle neighbor fence rules.
See how Stockton's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
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