Building permits are not required for fences up to 7 feet tall in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Taller fences, any concrete or masonry wall, and retaining walls over 3 feet require a permit from the Building Inspection Division.
Ordinance Code Section 72-6.202 establishes the general rule that no person may erect or alter a regulated structure without 'first obtaining the necessary permits from the county building official.' The county then adopts the 2022 California Residential Code exemptions, which include: 'Fences not over 7 feet high' and 'Retaining walls that are not more than three feet in height, measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, and that have a downward slope at the bottom of the retaining wall not exceeding 1(vertical): 10(horizontal), unless supporting a surcharge or ground slope exceeding 1 (vertical): 2 (horizontal) or impounding class I, II, or III-a liquids.' Exempt fences must still comply with all other applicable laws, including zoning, sight-distance, and pool-barrier rules. Permits are issued through the Application and Permit Center at 30 Muir Road, Martinez, (925) 655-2700.
Building without a required permit violates Section 72-6.202 and the adopted Residential Code. The Building Official may issue stop-work notices, require removal or after-the-fact permits (often at double the standard fee), and refer continuing violations to code enforcement. The Ordinance Code's general penalty provisions allow prosecution as an infraction or misdemeanor.
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