Kings County, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Fence, wall, or gate over 7 ft
- R-1/RM limit
- Up to 7 ft needs no permit
- Traffic visibility area
- Max 3 ft near intersections
- RR zone
- May exceed 7 ft, still needs permit
- Height measured
- From the lower adjacent grade
Summary
In unincorporated Kings County, a fence, wall, or gate taller than seven feet counts as a structure, so it needs a county building permit before construction begins.
Any fence, wall or gate over seven feet in height is a structure and requires a building permit prior to construction.
c. All heights in this section shall be measured from the finished grade of site or the adjacent property, whichever is lower.
(Ord. No. 668-1-17, �25, 3/28/17)
4. Screening Requirements: Storage of materials attendant to a permitted use requiring a Site Plan Review, or Conditional Use Permit which are not specifically permitted to be stored within public view pursuant to an approved use permit, and are not completely enclosed in a structure, when located on a site abutting on or across a street or alley from an RR, R, or RM Zoning District shall be screened by a solid fence or masonry wall or compact growth of natural plant materials not less than six feet in height, provided that no materials or equipment shall be stored to a height greater than that of the wall or fence.
5. Landscaping: Landscaping is not required in these zoning districts. However, all new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after January 1, 2010 are subject to and shall comply with the "Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance". See Article 15 of this Development Code for additional information concerning specific landscaping requirements.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 508.B governs fences, walls, gates, and hedges in the county's Residential zoning districts. In R-1 and RM zones, fences up to seven feet are allowed without a permit, subject to a 10-foot front setback and a 3-foot cap inside Traffic Safety Visibility Areas near intersections and driveways. Rural Residential (RR) parcels may exceed seven feet, but anywhere in these districts, once a fence, wall, or gate tops seven feet it is legally a structure, and the owner must get a building permit from the Community Development Agency before building it, with height measured from the lower adjacent grade.
Violations & Fines
An unpermitted fence, wall, or gate over seven feet is declared an unlawful public nuisance under Sec. 2403; it's an infraction, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense, escalating to a misdemeanor on a repeat violation within 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot backyard fence in Kings County?
Can I build an 8-foot fence on rural residential land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kings County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kings County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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