Modoc County, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Modoc County's Zoning Ordinance does not create a fence-permit process; there is no fence chapter and no permit listed for ordinary residential fences. Building-permit obligations come from Title 15 (Building Regulations). Section 15.01.020 adopts the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 CCR — specifically the 2019 California Building Code (Part 2) and 2019 California Residential Code (Part 2.5), 'and all subsequent editions thereof.' Section 15.01.030 requires any owner who intends to 'construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish' a building or structure to apply to the building official 'and obtain the required permits,' except where the code exempts the work. Under the adopted state building code, fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from a building permit; fences over 7 feet require one. Concrete and masonry walls are treated as walls (not fences) and are evaluated separately, as are retaining walls. The county runs an online Building & Safety permit portal in addition to its planning portal. Because exemption from a permit does not exempt a fence from zoning placement rules (yard, sight-distance, road setbacks under Title 12), owners should still confirm placement with the Planning Department before building.