Fence Installation Permits in Clovis

Local Rule

City of Clovis Building Division; Clovis Municipal Code

Clovis exempts fences not over 7 feet high from a building permit, and unlike many California cities, this exemption applies to wood or block (masonry) fences alike, per the city's own Building FAQ. A fence proposed on a corner lot should be checked with the Planning Department for sight-visibility compliance regardless of height. Zoning under Municipal Code Section 9.24 caps standard residential fence height at 3.5 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in side and rear yards, so a fence built to the 7-foot building-permit exemption in a side or rear yard would still need Planning approval for exceeding the zoning maximum. Retaining walls not over 4 feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top, are also exempt from a building permit unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are prohibited in residential zones.

Source · Verified September 2026

Clovis Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Fresno County

Clovis's own rule is shown above (No permit under 7 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Fresno County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 823.5.H(b)

Fresno County caps front-yard fence height at 3 ft within the 50 ft front-yard setback. Properties in the R-1-EH zone (residential estate, 37,500 sq ft minimum parcel) can apply for a variance to allow a taller entrance gate or fence within that setback.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Clovis with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:

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