Pleasanton, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Permitting for fences in Pleasanton involves two separate tracks: planning/zoning review and building permits. On the zoning side, fences, walls, and hedges that exceed six feet but are not over eight feet in a required side or rear yard require approval by the zoning administrator through Administrative Design Review (ADR) under PMC Chapter 18.84 and the city's design review procedures. ADR for over-height fences may often be handled over the counter at the Community Development Department. Fences at or below six feet that meet the standards in sections 18.84.080 and 18.84.090 generally do not require planning approval. On the building-permit side, the California Residential Code (Section R105.2), adopted by Pleasanton in Title 20, exempts wood fences not over seven feet in height and retaining walls not over four feet (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge) from a building permit. Important caveat: a building-permit exemption does not waive zoning height limits, so a seven-foot fence that is permit-exempt under the building code may still violate the six-foot zoning cap and require ADR. Always confirm both zoning compliance and permit requirements with the Planning Division before building.