Fresno, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Building permit for standard fence
- Not required if 7 ft or less and code-compliant
- Fence in public right-of-way
- Encroachment permit (City Engineer)
- Security/barbed-wire fencing
- Permit + indemnification agreement required
- Retaining wall + fence over 6 ft
- Director approval
- Code Sections
- FMC 15-2006; 15-2009
Summary
A standard residential fence not over 7 feet does not require a building permit in Fresno, but it must still meet the zoning standards of Section 15-2006; fences in the public right-of-way need an encroachment permit, and security/barbed-wire fencing requires a separate permit under Section 15-2009.
F. Permit. Property owner(s) shall apply for a permit with the City prior to installation. G. City Indemnification. Prior to the installation of security fencing, the fence owner shall obtain a permit and execute an agreement to defend, hold harmless, and indemnify the City against all claims related to the fencing. D. Fencing Encroachments. All fencing within the public right-of-way requires an encroachment permit from the City Engineer and shall be subject to all requirements of this section, in addition to those of the Public Works Department.
Full Breakdown
Per the City of Fresno Planning Department, fences do not require a building permit if they meet the criteria of Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2006: a maximum height of 7 feet and compliance with the minimum setback and corner cut-off requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. A building permit is still required where a fence exceeds the height exemption or sits on a retaining wall requiring engineering. Two key exceptions require a permit regardless of height: (1) any fencing within the public right-of-way requires an encroachment permit from the City Engineer (FMC 15-2009(D)); and (2) security fencing using barbed wire or razor wire requires the property owner to apply for a permit and execute an indemnification agreement before installation (FMC 15-2009(F) and (G)). Retaining-wall/fence combinations above 6 feet need Director (Department) approval.
Violations & Fines
Installing a fence that exceeds the permit-exempt criteria, encroaching into the right-of-way without an encroachment permit, or installing security fencing without the required permit can result in stop-work orders, notices of violation, and administrative citations from Code Enforcement, plus required removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Fresno?
What permit do I need for a fence on the sidewalk strip?
Is a permit required for a barbed-wire security fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle fence permit requirements.