How Tall of a Fence Can I Put in My Backyard in Sacramento County?
Good news for Sacramento County homeowners:
Most backyard fences that are 7 feet tall or less in Sacramento County, are allowed without a building permit (building department) or a minor use permit (planning department).
But there are still a few planning and building rules to know before you start digging post holes. First – Lets understand what the difference is between the Planning Department and the Building Department since the fence must comply with both of their rules!
Backyard Fence Height Rules by Location
Area | Max Fence Height | Permit Required? |
Interior side yard | 7 ft | No |
Rear yard | 7 ft | No |
What Cities in Sacramento County can only have 6 feet tall backyard fences?
In Sacramento County there are a few cities that have local ordinances that only allow for 6 foot all fences in the backyard. The cities more restrictive ordinance supersedes county regulation. These are the two cities that are limited to 6 foot tall privacy fences in residential backyards.
Who is in charge of fence height – The Planning Department or the Building Department?
Planning Department
The Planning Department is the local government office that sets the rules about where and how fences can be built or replaced. Their main goals are to keep neighborhoods safe, orderly, and visually pleasing. Here’s what they do in simple terms:
- Zoning and Setback Rules: They check that your fence fits within the property areas allowed by zoning laws and is set back enough from property lines, sidewalks, and streets. This helps keep clear walkways and proper distances from neighbors.
- Fence Height, Style, and Visibility: They limit how tall your fence can be and may restrict styles or materials to match neighborhood character, especially in areas with special design rules.
- Design or Material Restrictions: In design-controlled areas, they may require fences to use specific materials or colors so fences look nice and fit the community style.
Even if your fence is in your backyard, it still must follow local ordinances or risk getting a citation from Code Enforcement.
Building Department
The Building Department’s main concern with fence installations and replacements is the structural safety of the fence and compliance with the California Building Code and local Sacramento County rules.
For most residential fences in Sacramento County, a building permit from the Building Department is not needed if the fence is 7 feet tall or less, according to the California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2, Section 105.2), and consistent with Sacramento County Building Department fence guidelines.
According to the California Building Code, Title 24, Part 2, Section 105.2(1):
“Fences not over 7 feet high do not require a permit.”
Where to get more information
For specific regulations concerning your property
Sacramento County Planning and Environmental Review Division
- Email: sacplan@saccounty.gov
- Phone: 916-874-6444
Sacramento County Building Permits & Inspection Division
Phone: 916-875-5296
Let’s Build Something Fantastic
Our team at Fantastic Fence builds durable, beautiful and affordable fences that check every box — design, safety, and code compliance.
Whether you need a new gate, a privacy upgrade, or a full replacement, we’ll help you build something fantastic!