Building permits NOT required for residential fences up to 6 ft under CA Building Code §105.2 (adopted by Fresno County). Fences over 6 ft, retaining walls supporting fences, and pool barriers require permits.
CBC §105.2 exempts fences not over 6 ft from building permit requirements. Fresno County Building Services requires a permit for any fence exceeding 6 ft, any masonry/CMU wall regardless of height, any fence serving as a pool barrier, and retaining walls over 4 ft or supporting a fence. Zoning compliance (height, setback, vision triangle) applies even when a building permit is not required. Encroachment Permit needed if fence is in the county right-of-way.
Building without required permit: stop-work, double permit fee, structural inspection. Non-compliant pool barrier: citation plus closure order.
See how Fresno County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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