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Tehama · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in Tehama

City rule: fences in front yard setbacks are limited to 4 feet, unless the material does not block vision. City rule: fences in side and rear yards, and in the rest of the front yard setback, are limited to 6 feet. City rule: a fence over 6 feet needs a use permit from the city council because of unusual circumstances.

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Key points

  • Front fences: City rule: fences in front yard setbacks are limited to 4 feet, unless the material does not block vision.
  • Side and rear: City rule: fences in side and rear yards, and in the rest of the front yard setback, are limited to 6 feet.
  • Taller fences: City rule: a fence over 6 feet needs a use permit from the city council because of unusual circumstances.

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

What Tehama's code says

Tehama code What Tehama's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot
  • At most 6 feet.
    Applies: Any fence; a taller fence needs a use permit from the city council because of unusual circumstances.
    § 17.20.010 · code text
    No fence shall exceed six feet in height unless the council grants a use permit because of unusual circumstances.
Front yard height
  • At most 4 feet.
    Applies: Front yard setback, in front of the house; does not apply to a fence of a material that does not block vision.
    § 17.20.010 · code text
    Fences may not exceed four feet in front yard setbacks unless constructed of a material that does not block vision.
Side and rear yard height
  • At most 6 feet.
    Applies: Side and rear yards.
    § 17.20.010 · code text
    Fences in side and rear yards may not exceed six feet in height.
  • At most 6 feet.
    Applies: The rest of the front yard setback, which is treated as a side yard.
    § 17.20.010 · code text
    The remainder of the front yard set backs shall be treated as side yards with fences not to exceed six feet.
Permit
  • A use permit from the council is required for a fence over 6 feet or other exceptions.
    Applies: Fences over 6 feet high, or exceptions to the fence rules.
    § 17.20.010 · code text
    No fence shall exceed six feet in height unless the council grants a use permit because of unusual circumstances.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Tehama?

City rule: fences in front yard setbacks are limited to 4 feet, unless the material does not block vision. City rule: fences in side and rear yards, and in the rest of the front yard setback, are limited to 6 feet. City rule: a fence over 6 feet needs a use permit from the city council because of unusual circumstances.

General information, not legal advice.

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All building on your lot rules in Tehama

Tehama Municipal Code — full text