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.
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.
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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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 ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle permit requirements.
See how Fresno's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.