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Berkeley · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in Berkeley

Berkeley requires no permit for fences up to 6 feet (4 in ES-R); taller ones on lot lines or in setbacks need an AUP.

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Key points

  • Fence permits: Berkeley requires no permit for fences up to 6 feet (4 in ES-R); taller ones on lot lines or in setbacks need an AUP.

Each rule below links to the section of the Berkeley Zoning Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Berkeley's code says

Berkeley code What Berkeley's code adds
Permit
  • No permit is needed for fences 6 feet high or less.
    Applies: All districts except ES-R.
    § 23.304.080 · code text
    6 ft. in height or less | None required
  • An Administrative Use Permit (AUP) is required.
    Applies: All districts except ES-R: fences more than 6 feet high on a lot line or within the main building's required setbacks.
    § 23.304.080 · code text
    More than 6 ft in height and on lot line or within required lot line setbacks for main building | AUP
  • No permit is needed for fences 4 feet high or less.
    Applies: ES-R district.
    § 23.304.080 · code text
    4 ft. in height or less | None required
  • An Administrative Use Permit (AUP) is required.
    Applies: ES-R district: fences more than 4 feet high on a lot line or within the main building's setbacks. Fire Department review is required.
    § 23.304.080 · code text
    More than 4 ft. in height and on lot line or within required lot line setbacks for main building | AUP [1]

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Berkeley?

Berkeley requires no permit for fences up to 6 feet (4 in ES-R); taller ones on lot lines or in setbacks need an AUP.

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Berkeley's fences and walls rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Berkeley Zoning Code — full text