Pacific Grove · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove's fence limits depend on where the fence stands relative to the front yard setback line, on corner visibility areas, and on retaining walls. Greater heights, and deer fencing up to 6 feet along the front property line, need an administrative use permit.

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Key points

Fence heights: Fences are limited to 4 feet forward of the front yard setback line and 6 feet on or behind it along property lines.
Corner lots: Corner lots with straight property lines: fences limited to 3 feet within a triangle with 20-foot sides from the corner nearest the intersection.

Each rule below is marked Pacific Grove code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

Fences and walls

Pacific Grove code What Pacific Grove's code adds
Corner visibility	No more than 3 feet in a triangle with 2 sides of 20 feet from the corner nearest the intersection. Applies: For corner lots whose corner property lines are 2 straight lines. § 23.64.130 · code text The height limit for a fence, hedge, screening or other visual obstruction for a corner lot whose intersecting corner property lines are two straight lines shall not exceed three feet in height within an area represented by a triangle whose apex is the property corner nearest the intersection and whose other two vertices are points located 20 feet away from the apex as shown in Figure 1. No more than 3 feet within a corner area reaching 20 feet from the middle of the curve. Applies: For corner lots whose corner property lines follow a curve. § 23.64.130 · code text The height limit for a fence, hedge, screening or other visual obstruction for a corner lot whose corner property lines are found along a curve shall not exceed three feet in height within the area of a polygon whose apex is the midpoint of the arc at the corner and whose furthermost vertices are points located 20 feet away from the apex as shown in Figure 2. No more than 3 feet in an area the chief planner defines. Applies: For corner lots whose corner property lines do not fit the straight or curved cases, to prevent a traffic hazard. § 23.64.130 · code text the chief planner shall define the area in which no visual obstruction shall exceed three feet in height in a manner so as to prevent a traffic hazard.
Height anywhere on the lot	No more than 4 feet combined. Applies: Fence on a retaining wall on a property line, measured from the higher side, in front of the front yard setback line. § 23.64.130 · code text with a combined height limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line along the property lines, and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback along the property lines. No more than 6 feet combined. Applies: Fence on a retaining wall on a property line, measured from the higher side, behind the front yard setback. § 23.64.130 · code text with a combined height limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line along the property lines, and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback along the property lines. No more than 6 feet combined. Applies: Fence on a retaining wall on a property line, measured from the lower side, in front of the front yard setback line. § 23.64.130 · code text From the lower side, the combined height shall be limited to six feet in height forward of the front yard setback line along the property lines and eight feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback along the property lines. No more than 8 feet combined. Applies: Fence on a retaining wall on a property line, measured from the lower side, behind the front yard setback. § 23.64.130 · code text From the lower side, the combined height shall be limited to six feet in height forward of the front yard setback line along the property lines and eight feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback along the property lines. No more than 4 feet combined. Applies: Fence on a retaining wall that is entirely on one property, in front of the front yard setback line. § 23.64.130 · code text with a combined height limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback. No more than 6 feet combined. Applies: Fence on a retaining wall that is entirely on one property, behind the front yard setback. § 23.64.130 · code text with a combined height limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback. Fence no more than 4 feet. Applies: Fence on 1 property with the retaining wall on the neighboring property, in front of the front yard setback line. § 23.64.130 · code text the maximum fence height is limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback Fence no more than 6 feet. Applies: Fence on 1 property with the retaining wall on the neighboring property, behind the front yard setback. § 23.64.130 · code text the maximum fence height is limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback
Front yard height	No more than 4 feet. Applies: For fences, hedges and screens in front of the front yard setback line. § 23.64.130 · code text Fences, hedges, screen plantings, or other visual obstructions (other than allowed garden structures) are hereafter limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line, six feet in height on the front yard setback line, and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback along the property lines and within required setback areas. No more than 6 feet. Applies: For fences, hedges and screens on the front yard setback line. § 23.64.130 · code text Fences, hedges, screen plantings, or other visual obstructions (other than allowed garden structures) are hereafter limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line, six feet in height on the front yard setback line, and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback along the property lines and within required setback areas. Up to 6 feet. Applies: For deer fencing along the front property line in front of a home, only with an administrative use permit. § 23.64.130 · code text Deer fencing may be permitted up to six feet in height along the front property line to the front of any dwelling if an administrative use permit is first obtained.
Side and rear yard height	No more than 6 feet. Applies: Behind the front yard setback, along property lines and within required setback areas. § 23.64.130 · code text Fences, hedges, screen plantings, or other visual obstructions (other than allowed garden structures) are hereafter limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line, six feet in height on the front yard setback line, and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback along the property lines and within required setback areas.
Permit	An administrative use permit for any height above the normal limit, and for front deer fencing up to 6 feet. § 23.64.130 · code text A height greater than otherwise allowed in this section may be permitted if an administrative use permit is first obtained.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Pacific Grove code What Pacific Grove's code adds
EV charger permit	The building official issues all permits when the application meets the checklist; the charger stays off until city approval. Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging stations. § 18.46.050 · code text A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the city's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Electronic filing is allowed. § 18.46.050 · code text Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this chapter and associated supporting documentations.
Review time	Within 3 business days, over the counter or electronic. Applies: Applies to complete applications that meet the approved checklist and standard plan. § 18.45.060 · code text The building department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within three business days for over-the-counter applications or up to three business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.
Solar permit process	Administrative, nondiscretionary review; a permit issues for a complete application meeting the checklist and standard plan. Applies: Applies to small rooftop home solar systems. § 18.45.060 · code text The building department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within three business days for over-the-counter applications or up to three business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan. One inspection, scheduled within 2 business days of a request. Applies: Applies to small rooftop home solar systems eligible for fast review. § 18.45.060 · code text An inspection will be scheduled within two business days of a request.

Tree removal

Pacific Grove code What Pacific Grove's code adds
Protected trees	All Gowen cypress; Coast live oak, Monterey cypress, Shore, Torrey and Monterey pine 6 inches or more across. Applies: Applies to native trees; diameter measured 54 inches above native grade. § 12.20.020 · code text All Gowen cypress, regardless of size; all Coast live oak, Monterey cypress, Shore pine, Torrey pine, and Monterey pine six inches or greater in trunk diameter, measured at 54 inches above native grade. All other trees on private property 12 inches or more across, measured 54 inches above native grade. Applies: Applies to other private trees of any species. § 12.20.020 · code text all other Trees on private property, regardless of species, 12 inches or greater in trunk diameter, measured at 54 inches above native grade. All trees in or within 100 yards of designated Monarch sanctuaries. Applies: Applies to Monarch butterfly habitat trees. § 12.20.020 · code text All Trees in or within 100 yards of designated Monarch sanctuaries. Public trees 6 inches or more across at 54 inches above native grade, and all street trees of any size. Applies: Applies to trees on public property and street trees. § 12.20.020 · code text All Trees on Public Property six inches or greater in trunk diameter, measured at 54 inches above native grade, and all Street Trees, regardless of size. Protected trees affected by development, and trees the owner marks for special protection. Applies: Applies to designated trees. § 12.20.020 · code text All Trees that are otherwise Protected and will be impacted as a result of Development, both proposed for Pruning or Removal and where the Development will impact the Critical Root Zone of the Tree that requires protection during construction, and all Trees otherwise identified – during Development or otherwise – for special protection by the property owner.
Replacement trees	An in-lieu fee set by city council resolution, paid into the Community Tree Program Fund. Applies: Applies to replacing native and Monarch trees, or private removal of a public tree, when on-site replacement is not possible. § 12.20.100 · code text For replacement of Native Trees and Monarch butterfly Trees, or Removal of a Public Tree if initiated by a private party, a fee established by resolution of the city council shall be paid to the city of Pacific Grove and deposited into the Community Tree Program Fund. An in-lieu fee is allowed only if findings show replacement planting is not feasible. Applies: Applies when on-site replacement is not feasible. § 12.20.100 · code text Payment of in-lieu fees cannot be made as an alternative to replacement on site unless findings can be made that the Tree replacement planting is not Feasible, based on the criteria identified in PGMC § 12.20.090 (Appropriate variation for individual situations).

Swimming pools

Pacific Grove code What Pacific Grove's code adds
Pool barrier	The wall or fence may have no openings except gates. § 23.64.310 · code text The swimming pool or all or a portion of the property containing the pool shall be entirely protected by a wall or fence of 66 inches in height and without openings except for gates containing self-latching devices at least 45 inches above ground level.
Barrier height	66 inches tall. Applies: Applies to the wall or fence fully protecting the pool or the property with it. § 23.64.310 · code text The swimming pool or all or a portion of the property containing the pool shall be entirely protected by a wall or fence of 66 inches in height and without openings except for gates containing self-latching devices at least 45 inches above ground level.
Gates	Gates need self-latching devices at least 45 inches above the ground. § 23.64.310 · code text The swimming pool or all or a portion of the property containing the pool shall be entirely protected by a wall or fence of 66 inches in height and without openings except for gates containing self-latching devices at least 45 inches above ground level.
Setback from property lines	At least 5 feet from any property line; not in a front yard. Applies: Applies to all property lines. § 23.64.310 · code text Swimming pools shall not project into a front yard area and shall be situated no closer than five feet to any property line.

Pets, chickens and bees

Pacific Grove code What Pacific Grove's code adds
Bees	Allowed with a permit from the city manager. Applies: Applies to bees and bee swarms in boxes or hives. § 10.08.030 · code text (b) Bees and bee swarms in boxes or hives;
Chickens	Allowed with a permit from the city manager. § 10.08.030 · code text (c) Chickens;
Permit	A city manager permit is needed for cats and dogs over the limit, bees in boxes or hives, and chickens. § 10.08.030 · code text In any of the following cases, animals may be maintained within the city limits upon first obtaining a permit from the city manager, or delegee, after a finding that the maintenance thereof will not be contrary to the purposes of this chapter, a public or private nuisance, nor detrimental to property values or human health or safety:
Pet limit	Up to 3 cats or dogs, or a mix. Applies: Applies to a parcel with a single-family home, or any other parcel under one owner. § 10.08.020 · code text Three cats or dogs or a combination thereof on a parcel of land improved with a dwelling designed for a single family, or on any other parcel of land under a single ownership; Up to 2 cats or dogs, or one of each. Applies: Applies to a duplex unit, apartment or unit in a multi-unit development. § 10.08.020 · code text Two cats or dogs or one of each in a duplex unit, apartment or a unit of a multiple-dwelling development;

Other Pacific Grove rules on this

Pacific Grove's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.

Parking large vehicles on residential lots (§ 23.64.240)

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Pacific Grove?

Fences are limited to 4 feet forward of the front yard setback line and 6 feet on or behind it along property lines. Corner lots with straight property lines: fences limited to 3 feet within a triangle with 20-foot sides from the corner nearest the intersection.

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Pacific Grove?

Pacific Grove's code: The building official issues all permits when the application meets the checklist; the charger stays off until city approval. (Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.) (§ 18.46.050); Electronic filing is allowed. (§ 18.46.050).

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Pacific Grove?

Pacific Grove's code: All Gowen cypress; Coast live oak, Monterey cypress, Shore, Torrey and Monterey pine 6 inches or more across. (Applies to native trees; diameter measured 54 inches above native grade.) (§ 12.20.020); All other trees on private property 12 inches or more across, measured 54 inches above native grade. (Applies to other private trees of any species.) (§ 12.20.020).

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Pacific Grove?

Pacific Grove's code: The wall or fence may have no openings except gates. (§ 23.64.310); 66 inches tall. (Applies to the wall or fence fully protecting the pool or the property with it.) (§ 23.64.310).

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Pacific Grove?

Pacific Grove's code: Allowed with a permit from the city manager. (Applies to bees and bee swarms in boxes or hives.) (§ 10.08.030); Allowed with a permit from the city manager. (§ 10.08.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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