Under the California Residential Code (adopted by Shasta County Title 16), fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from a building permit. Fences exceeding the Section 17.84.030 zoning height limits still require an administrative permit or use permit from the Planning Division, regardless of building-permit status.
Shasta County adopts the California Residential Code (2019 CRC effective January 1, 2020, and subsequent triennial cycles) through Title 16 of the County Code. Under CRC Section R105.2 - Building, the standard permit exemption applies, including 'Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.' This is reflected on the Shasta County Building Division 'Residential Work Exempt From Permits' handout. However, an exemption from a building permit does not authorize work in violation of any other Shasta County Code provision. Fences must still comply with the Title 17 (Zoning) height limits in Section 17.84.030: 3 feet in any required front yard or corner-lot street-side yard, and 6 feet in any residential rear yard or interior side yard. To exceed these zoning heights, the property owner must obtain either an administrative permit (for residential accessory fences, per Section 17.84.030(B)(4)) or a use permit (Section 17.92.020) for other over-height fences. Pool barriers are regulated separately under HSC Section 115920 et seq. (Swimming Pool Safety Act), which establishes additional minimum heights and design standards. The Planning Department is reachable at scplanning@shastacounty.gov and the 24-hour hotline at (530) 225-5184.
Building a non-masonry fence over 7 feet without a building permit, or any fence over the Section 17.84.030 zoning limits without an administrative or use permit, is a violation. Remedies include stop-work orders, after-the-fact permit applications (typically with investigation fees), code-enforcement penalties, and required height reductions or removal. Working in a structure that is also a pool barrier without meeting HSC 115920 et seq. can trigger separate state-law liability.
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