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

No discretionary land-use permit is required to install a fence in unincorporated Placer County so long as the fence complies with Section 17.54.030 (Landscaping and fencing) and the applicable zone-district standards. Under Placer County Code Chapter 15, Article 15.04 (incorporating Section 105.2 of the California Building Code with local amendments), wire fences not over 12 feet in height for residential and agricultural uses, and other fences not over 7 feet in height, are exempt from the building-permit requirement. Fences taller than 7 feet (or 12 feet for qualifying wire agricultural fences) require a building permit through the Building Services Division. The Hunter Variance Conditions of Approval (PLN24-00276) confirm this dual-track regime: 'Prior to any construction on site, a building permit shall be obtained from the Placer County Building Services Division as required.' Swimming pool barriers and gates are subject to a separate, more rigorous permitting path under Placer County Code Section 15.04.320 and California Building Code Section 3109, and a signed pool-enclosure form is required before any pool permit is issued. Fences proposed as a condition of a project entitlement (subdivision, conditional use permit, design review) are reviewed as part of that entitlement.