Fence permit checklist — Modesto, California
Assembled from Modesto’s own published permit rules. Every line below is quoted from a city document and linked to it. Nothing here is generated, estimated, or inferred from another jurisdiction.
Do you need a permit?
Modesto does not require a permit for a fence.
Modesto's Building Safety FAQ states that fences 7 feet or less in height do not require a permit - matching the state CBC/CRC 105.2 threshold - and directs applicants to confirm setbacks with the Planning Division at (209) 577-5267. A fence over 7 feet, or any masonry fence/wall that also retains soil over the retaining-wall threshold, does require a permit.
Loading the full checklist…
Sources
- fence — permit rules ↗verified August 2026
Other permits Modesto publishes rules for
Listed because the city publishes a separate rule for each type — not because this project necessarily triggers one. Whether it does depends on your scope of work.
- Deck permit checklist
- Shed permit checklist
- Water heater permit checklist
- Re-roof permit checklist
- Retaining wall permit checklist
- Electrical work permit checklist
- General building work permit checklist
BuildSpec is a reference, not the authority having jurisdiction. Confirm requirements with Modesto before you build.