Marin County, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Building Permit Threshold
- Required for fences over 6 ft (CBC § 105.2 / Marin Title 19)
- Planning Division Permit
- Required for fences exceeding 6 ft
- Rural Exemption
- Lots 1 acre or more may need no permit if zoning compliant
- Coastal Zone
- Coastal Permit may apply (Chapter 22.68)
- Design Review
- May apply under Chapter 22.42
Summary
Fences up to 6 feet tall in unincorporated Marin County generally do not require a building permit if they comply with zoning. Fences exceeding 6 feet, or in coastal/design-review zones, require a Planning Division permit and may require building permits under Title 19.
Fences exceeding 6'-0" in height still require a Planning Division permit. If you're building a fence in a rural area located on property of 1 acre or more, you may not need any permit for your fence if you meet all zoning regulations.
Full Breakdown
Marin County's Building Code (Title 19) and Development Code (Title 22) work together on fence permitting. Under the California Building Code adopted by Marin Title 19 § 19.04, fences not over 6 feet high are work exempt from a building permit (CBC § 105.2 exemption #2). Marin County's Building and Safety Division confirms that fences exceeding 6 feet in height require a Planning Division permit, and on rural lots of 1 acre or more, no permit is needed if all zoning regulations are met. Fences in the Coastal Zone may require a Coastal Permit under Chapter 22.68 unless categorically excluded, and fences in design-review districts may trigger Design Review under Chapter 22.42. Any fence exceeding the height standards of § 22.20.050 also requires a variance under Chapter 22.54.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence over 6 feet without the required Planning Division or building permit subjects the owner to stop-work orders, after-the-fact permit fees (typically doubled), and required removal or modification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot wood fence?
What if my fence is 7 or 8 feet tall?
Do coastal properties have extra requirements?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.