Novato, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Two provisions decide whether a Novato fence needs a permit. Section 106.2 of the building administrative provisions (Novato Municipal Code § 4-1.3) lists, as item 2 among work that needs no permit, fences built of anything other than stone, masonry or concrete not over 7 feet in total height, and fences of stone, masonry or concrete not over 6 feet in total height. A taller fence falls under the Section 106.1 duty to apply to the building official and obtain a permit first. Section 106.2 adds that an exemption never authorizes work that violates the code or other laws or ordinances of the City.

The zoning rule in Section 19.20.040 applies separately. Subsection A.1 states that its provisions apply to all fences, walls and hedges unless otherwise stated. Subsection A.2 requires a Building Permit for all fences and walls in the Flood Hazard (F3) overlay district, along with compliance with the overlay requirements. Subsection A.3 exempts fences or walls required by a state or federal agency or by the City for public safety, and leaves retaining walls to Section 19.20.100.

A permit exemption does not lift the height limits in Table 3-1 of Section 19.20.040. The table sets 6 ft within side and rear yard setbacks, with footnotes that allow up to 8 feet in specified open-design or setback cases, and 3 ft at intersections of alleys, streets and driveways within sight visibility areas. Additional height can be authorized through Design Review approval under Section 19.42.030.

Retaining walls have their own building-code line. Item 3 of Section 106.2 exempts retaining walls not over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, that retain not more than 3 feet of material, unless they support a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids.