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

Tuolumne County's Title 17 Zoning Ordinance treats fences and walls as features that may be placed within required yards (Chapter 17.22.030.C) and does not require a discretionary or zoning permit for a standard property-line fence. The permitting trigger comes from the statewide building code, which the county adopts under Title 15 (2022 California Building Code and California Residential Code). Under California Building Code Section 105.2, a building permit is not required for 'Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.' A fence taller than 7 feet requires a building permit. Separately, retaining walls 'not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge,' are exempt; taller or surcharge-loaded walls need a permit. Even when a permit is not required, the fence must still comply with all setback, easement, and sight-distance rules. Permit applications are processed through the county's Building and Safety Division; questions about placement relative to zoning setbacks go to the Community Resources Agency (Planning). Properties in Historic Combining (H) or Historic Design Preservation (HDP) districts may have additional design review.