Vacaville follows the California Building Code as adopted in VMC Title 15 - fences 7 feet tall or less are typically exempt from a building permit under CBC 105.2 (item 2). Fences over 7 feet, masonry/retaining walls over 4 feet from the bottom of footing, and pool barriers always require a building permit through the Vacaville Building Division. A zoning compliance review still applies even when no building permit is required.
Vacaville adopts the California Building Code under VMC Title 15 (Buildings and Construction). California Building Code 105.2 (Work Exempt From Permit) item 2 exempts fences not over 7 feet high from a building permit, but does NOT exempt them from zoning compliance under VMC 14.09.200. Masonry walls or retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall require an engineered building permit, as do walls supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids. Pool barriers are always permitted under California Building Code Chapter 31 (Special Construction) regardless of height. Even when a building permit is not required, fences must comply with the VMC 14.09.200 height limits and the front-yard visibility triangle. The Vacaville Building Division (650 Merchant Street) issues fence and wall permits through the eTRAKiT online portal. PG&E underground locate (Dial 811) is required before any post hole. Properties on the Hillside (H) Overlay (VMC 14.09.120) face additional review for slope stability and wildfire-resistant materials.
Building a wall over 4 feet without an engineering permit is a CBC violation and a VMC Title 15 violation, enforced through stop-work orders, administrative citations under VMC Title 8 Chapter 8.10, and double permit fees on after-the-fact applications. Failure to call 811 before digging can result in PG&E damage claims and Cal/OSHA penalties. Building over the property line creates a private encroachment subject to civil action under California Code of Civil Procedure 318 (5-year statute) and is not cured by city permit issuance.
Vacaville, CA
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Vacaville, CA
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Vacaville, CA
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Vacaville, CA
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Vacaville, CA
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Vacaville, CA
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