A. 
Purpose. This Chapter establishes the requirements for fences, walls, and other screening elements to minimize visual obstructions of scenic views and sunlight, provide adequate buffering and screening between different land uses and outdoor equipment, and ensure these elements are attractively designed.
B. 
Applicability. The provisions of this Chapter apply to all fences, walls, and other screening elements except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Maximum Height. The maximum height of a fence or wall (including a retaining wall) is six feet, except as provided below:
1. 
Required Front and Corner Side Setbacks. The maximum height of a fence or wall within a required front and corner side setbacks is three feet, unless otherwise specified.
2. 
When a Non-Residential setback abuts a Residential Zoning District, the setback shall be enclosed by a solid wood, concrete or masonry wall at least six feet in height, but no more than eight feet in height.
B. 
Rear Property Line Setbacks. The maximum height of a fence or wall along the rear property line is eight feet when located on a lot with a rear property line abutting a public trail, canal, East Bay Municipal Utility District right-of-way, or public street.
C. 
Fences on Retaining Walls. When a fence is placed on top of a retaining wall, the total height shall be measured as the combined height of the retaining wall and the fence from the higher side of the adjacent grade. A retaining wall is not included in the measurement if it is located so that its horizontal distance from the fence is equal to or greater than the height of the retaining wall.
D. 
Traffic Safety Visibility Area. All fences, walls, hedges, and other screening elements are subject to the Traffic Safety Visibility Area requirements established in Section 18.55.070 (Traffic Safety Visibility Area).
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Prohibition Across Easements. No fence or wall shall be constructed across or over any easement that would impede the use or access for its intended purpose.
B. 
Single-Family Residences on Corner Lots. A five-foot setback from the corner side property line is required for a wall or fence over three feet in height. See Figure 18.75-1 (Corner Lor and Key Lot Fence and Wall Standards).
C. 
Key Lots. Corner lots abutting a key lot shall maintain an unfenced triangular area measuring 12 feet on each side. See Figure 18.75-1 (Corner Lot and Key Lot Fence and Wall Standards).
Figure 18.75-1
Corner Lot and Key Lot Fence and Wall Standards
D. 
Allowable Fence and Wall Materials. Fences and walls shall comply with the following material standards.
1. 
Residential Zoning Districts. Unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator, fences and walls in residential zoning districts shall be constructed of masonry, wood, metal, or concrete. Fences and walls in residential zoning districts shall also be consistent and comply with the fence and wall standards established in the City-Wide Residential Design Guidelines and Objective Design Standards.
2. 
Nonresidential Zoning Districts. Unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator, fences and walls in nonresidential zoning districts shall be consistent with the City-Wide Nonresidential Design Guidelines and be constructed of masonry, wood, concrete, vinyl, tubular steel, or wrought iron. Fences or walls abutting a residential zoning district, in accordance with Section 18.75.020A.2 (Height Limitations), shall be constructed of solid wood, concrete, or masonry.
E. 
Fire Safe Fencing. In addition to the allowed fence and wall materials established in Subsection D of this Section, fences and walls attached to or within five feet of a structure or deck shall be made of non-combustible or fire resistant materials in compliance with all applicable California Building Standards Code (Title 24) requirements.
F. 
Prohibited Fence and Wall Materials. High voltage electrical fences, razor wire, barbed wire, and other materials which pose a safety hazard are strictly prohibited.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
General Requirement. Except as provided in Subsection B, all exterior mechanical equipment shall be screened from view on all sides. Equipment to be screened includes, but is not limited to, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, plumbing lines, ductwork, and transformers. Screening of the top of equipment is not required if the equipment is not visible from public views, subject to review and approval by the Zoning Administrator.
B. 
Utility Meters. Utility meters shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way except when not allowed by a utility provider or when located on the interior side setback of a single-family dwelling. Utility meters do not need to be screened on top, unless otherwise directed by the Zoning Administrator. Utility meters in a required front setback or in a side setback of a corner lot shall be enclosed in subsurface vaults.
C. 
Materials. Screening materials shall be constructed of solid concrete, wood, or other opaque material and shall effectively screen mechanical equipment so no portion is visible from a public right-of-way or adjoining lot. Screening material may have evenly distributed openings or perforations not exceeding 25% of the surface area.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Fencing. Swimming pools and hot tubs shall be fenced as required by the California Building Code.
B. 
Setbacks.
1. 
In-ground swimming pools and hot tubs shall be, at a minimum, three feet from property lines and structures. Setbacks shall be measured from the exterior edge of the pool or hot tub.
2. 
Above-ground swimming pools and hot tubs are subject to the setback requirements specified in Section 18.15.060 (Accessory Structure and Uses: Residential Districts)
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)