Fence: materials, height limits, permits and sharing costs with a neighbor

For Silicon Valley homes · Updated October 2026 · Sources below

In California, fences up to 7 feet tall don't need a building permit, but city zoning rules still limit height - often lower in front yards and near driveways. For a fence on the property line, state law presumes both neighbors share the cost equally, and you must give 30 days' written notice before asking a neighbor to pay.

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The short version

No building permit for fences up to 7 feet (zoning limits still apply)
Shared fence: neighbors are presumed equally responsible for reasonable costs
Give 30 days' written notice before work you want a neighbor to share
Typical install (national): about $1,860 - $4,844

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What it costs

Install a fence$1,860 - $4,844 (average $3,277)
Wood fence, installed$2,100 - $9,400
Per linear foot (all types)$6 - $50

Length, height, material, gates, slope and removing the old fence change the price.

Typical ranges from published cost guides - mostly national figures. Bay Area prices usually run higher. Your actual price depends on your home and the job, and a pro gives you the real number. Source: HomeAdvisor cost guide (national) (Jun 2026). Have a quote? Check it with the Quote Explainer

Signs a fence needs replacing

Posts that are leaning, loose or rotted at the ground
Boards that are split, warped or missing
Termite or rot damage where wood touches soil
Gates that sag or won't latch

Wood or something else?

Wood: a classic privacy fence; it needs stain or sealer from time to time, and posts can rot where they meet the soil.
Vinyl: little upkeep and no rot or termites.
Chain link: durable and simple, but not private.
Repair or replace: a few bad posts or boards can be fixed; widespread rot or leaning usually means a new fence.

In Silicon Valley

Good Neighbor Fence Act (California Civil Code §841): adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from a dividing fence and to be equally responsible for its reasonable construction and maintenance costs.
Before work you want your neighbor to share, §841 requires 30 days' written notice describing the problem, the proposed solution, the estimated cost, how you propose to split it, and the timeline.
California's building code exempts fences up to 7 feet tall from a building permit, but city zoning still limits fence height, especially in front yards and near driveways and corners. Check with your city.

Questions homeowners ask

Do I need a permit to build a fence in California?

Not a building permit for fences up to 7 feet tall, under California's building code. Your city's zoning rules still limit height - often lower in front yards and near corners - so check with your city before you build.

Does my neighbor have to pay for half the fence?

California law presumes neighbors share a dividing fence equally, including the reasonable cost of building and maintaining it. Talk it through with your neighbor first, and get legal advice if you can't agree.

How do I ask my neighbor to share the cost of a new fence?

Civil Code §841 requires 30 days' written notice before the work. The notice should explain the problem, your proposed fix, the estimated cost, how you'd split it and the timeline.

How tall can my fence be?

It depends on your city and where the fence goes. Back and side yard fences are often allowed taller than front yard fences, and corners need to stay low for visibility. Ask your city's planning department for your lot's limits.

How much does a new fence cost?

HomeAdvisor's national guide puts most fence installs at about $1,860 to $4,844, or about $6 to $50 per linear foot depending on material. Bay Area prices usually run higher.

Should I get a survey before building a fence?

If you're not sure where the property line is, yes - especially for a shared fence. Moving a fence later costs far more than a survey.

Do you need a permit?

Fences up to 7 feet usually need no building permit - but height limits still apply.

General guidance based on California's building code - your city can have stricter rules, and zoning, historic and HOA rules can apply too. Check with your city's building department before you start.

Check the rule for your city

Questions to ask the pro

What post depth and post material do you use, and are posts set in concrete?
Is removing and hauling the old fence included?
Do you know my city's height limits for this spot?
Can you give me an itemized quote I can share with my neighbor?
What's the warranty on materials and labor?

Before you sign, check the contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov. How to hire a contractor in California

Know a neighbor dealing with this?

Send them this page - it's free, and every answer has its sources.

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