Good fences and good neighbors

Press release from the city of Elk Grove

Want to build or relocate a fence around your home? You should be aware that even though the City does not require a building permit for typical residential fences, the City still has required standards for how fences should be built. These standards are intended to allow privacy while keeping our residential neighborhoods looking beautiful.

Generally speaking, in residential areas the maximum height for a fence in the front yard is 3 feet. In the rear and side yards, the maximum height is 6 feet. Where one side of a house is located adjacent to a street, the side yard fence must be setback from the back of sidewalk by five feet. Other than these street side yard exceptions, fences can be located on the property lines. There are also “clear visibility triangle” requirements that are intended to keep intersections between streets and driveways safe so drivers can see with adequate sight distance. If you have any questions about these standards or changes you may want to make to your fence, please contact the Planning Department at 478-2265.

Violations of the Zoning Code (i.e. Fences and Accessory Structures) are enforced by the Community Enhancement Division of the Neighborhood Services Department. When violations are reported, inspectors will work with residents to educate them as to the violations that have been observed and how to correct them before taking any enforcement action.

Failure to correct violations may result in fees and fines starting at $480.00. Prior to constructing a fence or accessory structure, please call Planning at 478-2265 for any questions regarding Zoning Code standards. For questions about enforcement actions and to and report violations, contact 687-3023.