Fences 7 feet and under in unincorporated Sacramento County do not require a building permit, but a zoning clearance is required for front-yard fences over 3.5 feet or in setback areas.
California Building Code, adopted by Sacramento County, exempts fences 7 feet and under from building permit requirements. Retaining walls up to 4 feet (from footing) are similarly exempt. A zoning clearance (roughly 50 dollars) is required when a fence exceeds front-yard height or encroaches into required setbacks. Work in flood zones (Delta, Natomas, Elverta) or easements may require additional reviews through the Department of Water Resources or SAFCA. Pool barrier fencing triggers a separate pool permit.
Unpermitted work orders 250 dollars plus double permit fees; removal order if non-compliant.
See how Sacramento County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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