Fences and walls in Walnut Creek: the local rules

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

What Walnut Creek's code says

Walnut Creek code What Walnut Creek's code adds
Side and rear yard height	No more than 3 feet, measured from the highest adjacent grade. Applies: For residential uses, within the corner side setback of a reversed corner lot. § 10-2.3.104 · code text No fence, wall, or similar structure shall exceed three (3) feet in height within the required front setback or within the corner side setback of a reversed corner lot, as measured from the highest adjacent grade. No more than 7 feet, measured from the highest adjacent grade. Applies: For residential uses, within a required interior side or rear setback, or a corner lot's corner side setback. § 10-2.3.104 · code text No fence, wall or similar structure shall exceed seven (7) feet in height within a required interior side or rear setback, or corner side setback of a corner lot, as measured from the highest adjacent grade.
Height anywhere on the lot	Up to 8 feet for a solid fence or wall. Applies: Residential property next to a highway, along interior property lines by the highway. Over 7 feet needs a landscaped buffer. § 10-2.3.104 · code text a solid fence or wall may be installed along the interior property lines adjacent to the highway within the project site at up to eight (8) feet in height. No single retaining wall over 7 feet, measured from finished grade to the top. Applies: Within a required setback. § 10-2.3.104 · code text No single retaining wall shall exceed seven (7) feet in height within a required setback as measured from the finished grade to the top of wall.
Front yard height	No more than 3 feet, measured from the highest adjacent grade. Applies: Within the required front setback of a residential lot. § 10-2.3.104 · code text No fence, wall, or similar structure shall exceed three (3) feet in height within the required front setback or within the corner side setback of a reversed corner lot, as measured from the highest adjacent grade.
Permit	A minor use permit is required to go above the maximum heights. Applies: For fences, walls, retaining walls or similar structures. § 10-2.3.104 · code text The maximum height standards for fences, walls, retaining walls, or similar structures, as previously specified in this section, may be increased through the issuance of a minor use permit pursuant to the appropriate provisions of Part IV, Article 8

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Walnut Creek?

Walnut Creek limits residential fences to 3 feet in the required front setback and 7 feet in interior side, rear and corner side setbacks.

Fences and walls in Walnut Creek

Key points

What Walnut Creek's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Walnut Creek property

More on building on your lot in Walnut Creek