Fresno requires a building permit for fences over 7 feet tall or any retaining wall over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top. Fences 6 feet and under in side and rear yards, and 3 feet in front yards, are permit-exempt provided they meet FMC §15-2019 zoning setback and materials rules.
Under FMC Chapter 15 (Development Code) and the California Building Code, fences in residential zones are permit-exempt up to 6 feet tall in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Fences taller than 7 feet require a building permit under CBC §105.2 and structural plans. Swimming pool barrier fences require a separate permit regardless of height (see pool fencing). Retaining walls 4 feet or taller measured from bottom of footing require a building permit, and walls supporting a surcharge (driveway, slope above) require an engineered permit at any height. Electrified fences are allowed only on industrial and some commercial zones. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones. Material restrictions prohibit sheet metal or salvage materials facing the street in FMC §15-2019. Corner lot sight triangle rules limit fence height within 15 feet of driveways and intersections to 3 feet.
Stop-work order, double permit fees, and potential removal of non-conforming fence.
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not regulate decorative lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round yard decorations on private property. Property maintenance standards in FMC Chapt...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not specifically regulate residential inflatable holiday displays. There is no size cap, lighting curfew, or fan-noise limit specific to inflatab...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday light displays. Display dates, brightness, and decorative content are not regulated ...
Fresno, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Fresno require building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits under FMC Chapter 11 (Building Regulations), which adopts the Cal...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating backyard smokers or wood-fired ovens by time of day. Use is governed by the general nuisance provisions ...
Fresno, CA
Fresno enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in FMC Chapter 10, Article 5 (Fire Prevention). Under CFC §308.1.4 (the California amended version ...
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