Chico, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard limit
- 3 ft by right
- Rear/side yard limit
- 7 ft by right
- Building permit exempt
- fences 6 ft or under
- Taller fence needs
- admin or use permit
Summary
Chico exempts fences 6 feet or under from a building permit, but zoning still caps residential fences at 3 feet in front yards and 7 feet in rear/side yards, with taller heights requiring an administrative or use permit.
Fences, walls, or similar obstructions shall not exceed the following height limitations: (1) Front Yards. 3 feet. May be increased to 4 feet with approval of an administrative use permit in compliance with Chapter 19.25 (Administrative Use Permits), or up to 6 feet with approval of a use permit in compliance with Chapter 19.24 (Use Permits).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
CMC § 19.60.060(A)(1)(a) sets the zoning height limits for residential fences: 3 feet in a front yard by right, increasable to 4 feet with an administrative use permit (Ch. 19.25) or 6 feet with a full use permit (Ch. 19.24); rear and side yard fences may reach 7 feet by right and 8 feet with an administrative use permit. Separately, CMC § 16.10.020(C) exempts any fence 6 feet or under from a basic BUILDING permit, but that only waives the building permit, not the zoning height limit or, for pool enclosures, the child-safety fencing standard in § 19.76.020(D)(7)(b).
Violations & Fines
Building a fence taller than the zoning height limit without the required administrative or use permit is a code violation enforceable as an infraction under the general penalty provision, § 1.04.120; the City can require removal or after-the-fact permitting and approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front yard fence be in Chico without special approval?
Do I need a building permit for a 5-foot backyard fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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