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Masonry Walls, Fences, and Decks

Why Do I need a permit?

A permit is required to ensure safety regulations are met. There are specific code requirements regulating where masonry walls, fences, and decks can be located and how they are to be constructed. The following information is a general overview of each type of project. Please note your project may require additional information and it is best to verify with the Planning Division prior to beginning your project.

Project Type		Permit Requirement
Masonry Walls or Fences which are less than 4 feet in height from bottom of footing to top of wall		Building Permit is not required.
Fences which are less than 6 feet in height		Building Permit is not required. However, there are height restrictions in the front yard and street side yard setback areas. For further information, please contact the Planning Division.
Fences which are more than 6 feet in height		Building Permit Required. Consult with Development Services Planning staff to discuss filing for a variance. The request must indicate a hardship or it will not be approved. A building permit will be required.
Masonry Walls, Fences and Decks located on a property which is designated a historic district and/or design review district		Historic Preservation and/or Design Review is required.
Decks not attached to the house with a walking surface 30 inches or less above grade		Building Permit is not required.
Decks with a walking surface greater than 30 inches above grade or decks attached to the house		Planning review and building permit are required.
Covered Decks		Consult with Planning and Building staff for requirements.

Masonry Wall

Generally, a building permit is not required when constructing a masonry wall or fence that is less than 4 feet in height from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.

• In the front yard setback area, the maximum fence height is four feet. Fences along the side and rear property lines may be up to 6 feet tall.

• Fences located along the street side setback area may be up to 6 feet tall if they are located 5 feet from the property line. Otherwise, maximum height is 4 feet.

• If the fence is located near a driveway or a corner, there is an area referred to as the “Triangle of Visibility” that requires no structure or natural vegetation be greater than 3 ½ feet in height. Please consult with Planning staff for more information.

Fences

Generally, a building permit is not required when constructing a fence that is less than 6 feet in height. Included in the height measurements are any posts, lattice, and other trellis structures placed on the top of a fence.

• In the front yard setback area, the maximum fence height is four feet. For height exceptions, please consult with Planning.

• Fences along the side and rear property lines may be up to 6 feet tall.

• Fences located along the street side setback area may be up to 6 feet tall if they are located 5 feet from the property line. Otherwise, maximum height is 4 feet.

• If the fence is located near a driveway or a corner, there is an area referred to as the “Triangle of Visibility” that requires no structure or natural vegetation be greater than 3 ½ feet in height. Please consult with Planning staff for more information.

Decks

Generally, decks do require a building permit. There are two types of decks; covered and uncovered. If you are constructing a covered deck please consult the Planning Department for assistance. The following information is in reference to uncovered decks.

If the uncovered deck is detached and 30 inches or less in height, it is exempt from accessory structure regulations found in the zoning code. If the uncovered deck is greater than 30 inches above grade, then it is required to comply with setback and lot coverage requirements. If the deck is attached to the main house or is located less than 60 feet from the front property line, it will be required to maintain the same minimum setbacks as the main home. (Please see table below) However, if the deck is detached and located more than 60 feet from the front property line, there are no minimum interior side yard or rear yard set back requirement.

Set Back Guide

Zone	Front	Rear	Interior	Street Side	Max. Lot Coverage
R-1*	Average of adjacent residences or, if adjacent property vacant, 20 feet**	15 feet (if abutting an alley, only 5 feet is required)	5 feet**	12.5 feet	40%

*Single Family Residence are generally zoned R-1. However, please contact Planning staff to assist in determining which zone your property located.

** Restrictions and/or allowances may apply. Contact planning staff to determine if exceptions apply to your project.

Helpful Definitions

Setback: The distance measured from your property line to a point inside the property creating a border inside your property line. Setbacks are intended to maintain light, air, and separation for fire protection.

Front Setback: The side that borders a street and is usually deeper than the side and rear setbacks. On a corner lot, the front is the shortest side of the lot bordering the street.

Lot Coverage: The amount of lot, stated in terms of percentage, that is covered by all buildings and/or structures located hereon. This shall be deemed to include all buildings, porches, breezeways, patios, and decks. It shall not be deemed to include swimming pools or uncovered patios and decks that are less than 30 inches.

Process Overview

Determine Zoning and/or Special Development Considerations:

Before beginning your project, you will need to determine if your property is zoned for your desired use or if there are any special development considerations for your project.

The Planning Division will be able to tell you the zoning of the property or if there are any special considerations for your project. If your project requires special handling, our staff will inform you of the requirements and next steps.

Who to contact:

Planning Division at (916) 808-5656

Please provide:
Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) or property address
Description of your proposed project

If your proposed project meets the zoning requirements and does not need special considerations, you will typically follow the process given below. If not, staff will inform you of your options.

Application

You will need to submit the following plans with your application:

• Copy of application stating description of work and contact person, phone and fax number

• Value of work to be completed

• Site plan for the location on your property and all surrounding items including lot lines

• Floor Plans

• Structural plans showing all sizing, spans, attachments, bolting, and solid deck or lattice/trellis/open sun screen coverings.

• Cross-sectional design for your retaining wall and/or masonry fence, these plans, should have the following information:

  • Footing, depth, and width, any required reinforcement and method of drainage

  • Vertical reinforcement, spacing, and size

  • Wall height with a horizontal reinforcement

  • If you are using a pre-made dry stack masonry retaining wall, provide manufacturers specifications and method of drainage

Upon approval, your permit will be issued.

Fees

In order to get a permit, you will need to pay the required permit fees which are based on the contract price of the structure.

You may pay for fees at the following locations:

New City Hall
915 I Street, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

North Permit Center
2101 Arena Blvd., Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95834

Permit

Who can obtain a permit?

• Legal property owner(s)

• Licensed contractor

• An authorized agent (written consent must be obtained)

Inspections

Inspections will vary depending on the scope and complexities of the project. The following list of inspections are a guideline only. Additional inspections may be needed:

• A foundation inspection is required for the width and depth of the footing with the placement of all reinforcement and hardware that should be installed at this time

• Once the masonry units are in, prior to grouting, an inspection will be required with all horizontal and vertical reinforcement requirements met. Any required drainage piping shall be in with the required filter fabric.

• At final inspections, verification that the final backfill and grading is completed

Scheduling Inspections:

There are three ways to schedule an inspection:

IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) at (916) 808-7622

Phone (916) 808-INSP

Fax

Project Completion

Upon approval of final inspection, your project will be considered complete.

For additional information, please call (916) 808-5656