Fences 6 feet or less in Napa generally do not need a building permit, but any fence over 6 feet in height must obtain a building permit under the California Building Code as adopted in Title 15 of the Napa Municipal Code. Planning Division review under NMC 17.52.170 still applies for height, vision triangle, and overlay districts.
Permit thresholds follow California Building Code (CBC) Section 105.2 as adopted by City of Napa Title 15. CBC exempts non-electrified fences up to 7 feet (CRC equivalent), but Napa's zoning Section 17.52.170 caps residential fences at 6 feet without a building permit, so anything taller triggers Building Division review. Retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall also require a building permit. All fences, regardless of permit status, must comply with the height, vision-triangle, and setback rules in Section 17.52.170 plus any FP Floodplain Overlay, Historic Resource, or HOA review. Permits are obtained through the City of Napa Community Development Department, Permits Counter, 1600 First Street.
Installing a fence over 6 feet without a building permit is a Title 15/17 violation. Code Enforcement may issue a stop-work order, require after-the-fact permitting at higher fees, or order removal. Failure to obtain a retaining-wall permit can void title-related certifications and trigger geotechnical re-inspection.
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See how Napa's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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