In Sacramento, fence height regulations vary depending on the location within the property. Front yard fences can be up to 4 feet high along the front property lines or within the front-yard setback area. Side yard fences can reach 4 feet in height within 5 feet from the street side property line and 6 feet if they are at least 5 feet from the street side property line. Rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet high at property lines or within the rear yard setback area, but they can be 8 feet high along a rear or interior side property line that abuts a school, park, alley, or other nonresidential use.
On corner lots, fences are limited to a maximum height of 3.5 feet within a 25-foot visibility triangle area. Fence setbacks of 5 feet are required on the street side for fences over 6 feet. Wooden fences are allowed, but chain link and woven-wire fences are prohibited in certain setback areas. Vinyl and ornamental metal fences are permitted. Prohibited fences include those with materials capable of causing significant physical injury, such as barbed wire or razor wire. Fences that are 7 feet and higher require a Director Hearing, which has a response time of 3-4 months and a minimum $2000 non-refundable application fee. Some nonconforming fences may be repaired, maintained, or replaced without a permit, depending on when they were originally constructed.
Fence law and regulations in Sacramento
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Information based on Sacramento city and county regulations.
Fence dimensions
Fence height regulations in Sacramento
For residential properties in Sacramento, here are the maximum fence heights based on their location on the property:Front Height: Fences along the front property lines or within the front-yard setback area can reach a maximum height of 4 feet.Side Height: Fences within 5 feet from the street side property line can have a maximum height of 4 feet. Beyond this 5-foot distance from the street side property line, they can reach a maximum height of 6 feet.Rear Height: Fences at property lines or within the rear yard setback area can have a maximum height of 6 feet. However, if the fence is along a rear or interior side property line that abuts a school, park, alley, or other nonresidential use, it can reach a maximum height of 8 feet.Corner Lot Height: For corner lots, fences must not exceed a height of more than 3.5 feet within a 25 feet visibility triangle area. This regulation is in place to ensure visibility and safety at intersections.
Fence setback in Sacramento
Fence setback is 5 feet on street side for fences over 6 feet.
Fence material
Wood fence regulations in Sacramento
Wood fences are permitted according to the Sacramento city regulations.
Wire fence regulations in Sacramento
Box wire fences with welded wire are permitted in front yards (new fence or replacements).Chain link and woven-wire fences are prohibited within the front-yard and street side-yard setback areas.
Vinyl and ornamental metal fence regulations in Sacramento
As per the regulations of the city of Sacramento, vinyl and ornamental metal fences are permissible.
Prohibited fences in Sacramento
Concertina wire, serpentine wire, barbed wire, razor wire, and other similar fencing materials capable of inflicting significant physical injury is prohibited.
Permit
When is a fence permit required in Sacramento
Fences that are 7 feet and higher require a Director Hearing ( 3 - 4 months response time and min. $2000 non refundable application fee).
Fence permit requirements in Sacramento
Nonconforming wall or fence: A property owner may repair, maintain, or replace in the same location a wall or fence that does not conform to these regulations if the wall or fence was constructed prior to February 14, 1980. Work exempt from a permit:Fences not over 7 feet high (7 feet must be verified with the city)Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge
Other Fence Regulations
Other fence regulations in Sacramento
Our investigation did not uncover any further fence regulations specific to Sacramento beyond what has been previously mentioned.