Kern County, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit exemption
- Fences <= 7 feet high (CBC 105.2 as adopted)
- Permit required
- Fences > 7 feet, retaining walls, pool barriers
- Issuing agency
- Kern County Public Works - Building Inspection Division
- Plan review timeline
- 10 to 30 days typical
- Zoning compliance
- Required even if no building permit needed
Summary
Per the California Building Code as adopted in Kern County Title 17, fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from building permits. Fences exceeding 7 feet, masonry retaining walls, and pool-enclosure barriers require a permit from the Kern County Public Works Building Inspection Division.
A building permit shall not be required for the following: ... Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high. (California Building Code Section 105.2, as adopted by reference in Kern County Code Title 17 Chapter 17.08.)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Kern County has adopted the California Building Code in Title 17 (Building Code). Under CBC Section 105.2 as adopted by reference, building permits are not required for 'Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.' Even when a building permit is not required, the fence must still comply with Title 19 zoning provisions (§ 19.08.210 height/material limits). Fences over 7 feet, masonry walls subject to lateral pressure, and pool barriers under Chapter 13.12 (Swimming Pools and Other Bodies of Water. Barriers and Warning Signs) require permits. Permits are issued by the Kern County Public Works Department, Building Inspection Division. Plan review typically takes 10-30 days depending on project complexity.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit triggers double-fee penalty assessments under the Building Code, plus possible stop-work orders. A Title 19 zoning violation (height/material) is a misdemeanor under Chapter 19.114 carrying up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail per day of continuing violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a typical 6-foot backyard fence in unincorporated Kern County?
What if I want a fence taller than 7 feet?
Where do I apply for a fence permit in Kern County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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