San Joaquin County requires a building permit for fences over 7 feet in height, masonry walls, and retaining walls in unincorporated areas. Standard fences within height limits generally do not require a building permit. Contact Building Inspection at (209) 468-3121.
SJC Building Regulations (Title 8) and the county's fence ordinance (Dev. Title 9, Ch. 9-1022) establish that a building permit is required for fences over 7 feet in height, masonry walls of any height, and retaining walls. Fences within height limits (generally up to 7 feet in residential zones) do not require a building permit provided they comply with setback and sightline requirements. Any gate serving vehicle access (non-pedestrian) must be set back or recessed a minimum of 10 feet from the property line unless there are at least 16 feet between the property line and the traveled roadway. Contact Building Inspection at (209) 468-3121 for permit requirements. A fence/retaining wall permit can be initiated at permits.sjgov.org.
Building fence without required permit: stop-work order, retroactive permit fees, and possible removal.
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See how San Joaquin County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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