Contra Costa County, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit threshold
- Fences over 7 feet
- Code Section
- Ord. Code 72-6.202
- Retaining wall exemption
- Under 3 feet (footing to top)
- Permit Center
- 30 Muir Rd., Martinez, (925) 655-2700
Summary
Building permits are not required for fences up to 7 feet tall in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Taller fences, any concrete or masonry wall, and retaining walls over 3 feet require a permit from the Building Inspection Division.
Per Contra Costa County Ordinance 72-6.202: No person, firm, or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure regulated by this title ... without first obtaining the necessary permits from the county building official. According to the 2022 California Residential Code (CRC), permits shall not be required for the following: ... 2. Fences not over 7 feet high.
Full Breakdown
Ordinance Code Section 72-6.202 establishes the general rule that no person may erect or alter a regulated structure without 'first obtaining the necessary permits from the county building official.' The county then adopts the 2022 California Residential Code exemptions, which include: 'Fences not over 7 feet high' and 'Retaining walls that are not more than three feet in height, measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, and that have a downward slope at the bottom of the retaining wall not exceeding 1(vertical): 10(horizontal), unless supporting a surcharge or ground slope exceeding 1 (vertical): 2 (horizontal) or impounding class I, II, or III-a liquids.' Exempt fences must still comply with all other applicable laws, including zoning, sight-distance, and pool-barrier rules. Permits are issued through the Application and Permit Center at 30 Muir Road, Martinez, (925) 655-2700.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit violates Section 72-6.202 and the adopted Residential Code. The Building Official may issue stop-work notices, require removal or after-the-fact permits (often at double the standard fee), and refer continuing violations to code enforcement. The Ordinance Code's general penalty provisions allow prosecution as an infraction or misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace an existing 6-foot wood fence?
What about a fence taller than 7 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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