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

For routine fences in unincorporated Nevada County, the controlling document is Sec. 12.04.106 (Fencing and Hedges) of the County Code, which sets maximum heights by yard and zoning district rather than imposing a blanket fence-permit requirement. The brochure's 'Height Exceptions' provision explains how to go taller: if proposed as part of a discretionary land use permit, the Planning Agency may allow increased height for security, visual, or noise-attenuation purposes; and subject to the granting of a Use Permit, fencing may exceed the chapter's height maximums where findings show the exception is needed to protect public health and safety or to shield unsightly areas. Separately, the brochure states that 'Solid fence and wall construction are subject to the requirements of the Uniform Building Code,' meaning a building permit can be triggered by the structural nature of a wall (for example, a masonry wall or a retaining wall) even when no zoning permit is needed. Because requirements differ by district and project, the county directs residents to its Planning Department at 950 Maidu Avenue, Suite 170, Nevada City (530-265-1222) to confirm whether a given fence or wall needs a permit. Always verify your zoning district and any combining-district or sight-distance overlay before building.