Fences and walls in Rio Dell: the local rules

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

What Rio Dell's code says

Rio Dell code What Rio Dell's code adds
Corner visibility	No fence, wall or hedge over 3 feet within 30 feet of the street corner. Applies: Residential corner lots; no other view obstruction 3 to 10 feet above street grade, except posts, columns or trees up to 1 foot in diameter. § 17.30.140 · code text there shall be no fence, wall, or hedge higher than three feet, nor any obstruction to vision other than a post, column, or tree not exceeding one foot in diameter, between a height of three feet and a height of 10 feet above the established grade of either street, within an area 30 feet from the intersection of the street lot lines.
Front yard height	Fences can be no more than 4 feet tall. Applies: In a front yard. § 17.30.140 · code text A fence located in a front yard shall not exceed four feet in height. Ornamental metal fences can be up to 7 feet tall. Applies: In front yards, if the fence is at least 60% open overall. § 17.30.140 · code text However, an ornamental metal fence may be erected to a height of seven feet. A masonry wall with an ornamental metal fence on top can be no more than 7 feet tall combined. Applies: The part above 4 feet must be at least 60% open. § 17.30.140 · code text An ornamental metal fence may also be constructed atop a masonry wall provided the combined height of the wall and fence does not exceed seven feet
Side and rear yard height	Fences can be up to 7 feet tall. Applies: In side or rear yards. § 17.30.140 · code text A fence located in a side yard or rear yard may be erected to a height of seven feet.
Permit	A special use permit from the Planning Commission is needed to change the fence height limits. Applies: Only for good cause; the Commission may require changes to height, design, materials, setback or screening. § 17.30.140 · code text The Planning Commission may modify by special use permit the height requirements of this section, upon a showing of good cause.

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Rio Dell?

Front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet, or 7 feet for ornamental metal fences at least 60% open; side and rear yards, 7 feet.

Fences and walls in Rio Dell

Key points

What Rio Dell's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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