Permit Required? Sometimes Required
Typical Fee Range $50–$150 A permit is required for fences over 7 feet in height.
Fee Method Flat fee
Apply Online Apply at Community Development Department →

What's Required in Sacramento

  • Permit required for any fence exceeding 7 feet in height.
  • Maximum height of 4 feet in front yard setbacks.
  • Sightline triangles must be maintained at street corners.
  • Fence must be within property boundaries.
  • Finished side must face toward the public right-of-way.
  • Barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited in residential zones.

How Tall Can a Fence Be Without a Permit in Sacramento?

In Sacramento, the number that matters is 7 feet: a fence taller than that needs a permit from the Community Development Department, while anything at or under it can usually go up without one. Front yards are stricter, capped at 4 feet. Even a permit-free fence still has to respect setbacks and corner sight-line rules, so check placement before you dig post holes.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Sacramento?

For a typical backyard fence at or under 7 feet, no — you can skip the building permit in Sacramento. Go taller and you'll file with the Community Development Department, with permit fees typically in the $50–$150 range. Two cautions before you skip the paperwork: zoning rules (height caps, setbacks, corner visibility) apply to every fence, permitted or not, and HOA or deed rules stack on top of city code. When your plan sits close to the line, a quick call to the department beats rebuilding a fence later.

How to Get a Fence Permit in Sacramento

1

Step 1: Verify Height

Determine if your fence will exceed the 7ft threshold.

2

Step 2: Plot Plan

Mark your proposed fence location on a property survey.

3

Step 3: Online Filing

Submit through the city's Citizen Portal if a permit is needed.

4

Step 4: Zoning Review

City checks for corner visibility and setback compliance.

5

Step 5: Construction

Install according to approved plans; no final inspection for most minor fences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but it requires a permit and potentially a zoning variance depending on location.
No, but it's recommended to share costs per the California Good Neighbor Fence Act.
Front yard fences are generally capped at 4 feet in height.
On record in Sacramento, fences over 7 feet need a permit; at or under 7 feet you generally don't need one, though zoning height caps and setbacks still apply.
Only above 7 feet. Shorter fences generally don't need a building permit in Sacramento, but zoning setbacks and height caps still apply.