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Grass Valley · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in Grass Valley

Grass Valley limits fences to 36 in in front and street side setbacks, 6 ft elsewhere, or 8 ft if open above 6 ft.

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Key points

  • Fence height: Grass Valley limits fences to 36 in in front and street side setbacks, 6 ft elsewhere, or 8 ft if open above 6 ft.

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

What Grass Valley's code says

Grass Valley code What Grass Valley's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot
  • At most 6 feet.
    Applies: Outside a required setback.
    § 17.30.040 · code text
    Outside of a required setback | 6 ft. (1)
  • Up to 8 feet.
    Applies: Outside front and street side setbacks. The part above 6 feet must be open design, or a Minor Use Permit must allow a solid fence.
    § 17.30.040 · code text
    A fence or wall up to eight feet in height may be allowed when the portions above six feet are of an open fencing design (e.g., lattice, wrought iron or grille work); or where a solid fence up to eight feet is authorized by Minor Use Permit.
Front yard height
  • At most 36 inches.
    Applies: Within the front or street side setback.
    § 17.30.040 · code text
    Within front or street side setback | 36 in.
Side and rear yard height
  • At most 6 feet.
    Applies: Within an interior side or rear setback.
    § 17.30.040 · code text
    Within interior side or rear setback | 6 ft. (1)
Permit
  • A building permit for any fence or wall in a flood area on the federal flood insurance rate map.
    Applies: Fences or walls over 6 feet, with open upper parts or a Minor Use Permit, may also need a building permit.
    § 17.30.040 · code text
    A fence or wall in an area subject to flooding identified on a federal flood insurance rate map (FIRM) on file in the department shall require a building permit

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Grass Valley?

Grass Valley limits fences to 36 in in front and street side setbacks, 6 ft elsewhere, or 8 ft if open above 6 ft.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Grass Valley property

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

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Grass Valley Municipal Code — full text