Replacing a Wood Fence in Petaluma
New wood fences and replacements for old ones, planned around Petaluma's fence permit, its historic districts and the river's flood plain.
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Do you replace and install fences in Petaluma?
Yes. We build new fences in Petaluma and replace worn-out ones, in wood, vinyl and composite, chain link, wrought iron and aluminum, along with custom gates. Since the city asks for a fence permit on replacements as well as new lines, we sort out the height and setback plan with you before any old boards come down.
In Petaluma, even swapping an old fence for a new one on the same line takes a fence permit from the city. We work out the layout and heights with you first, so what goes on the application is what gets built.
Is my Petaluma neighborhood in our service area?
Yes, if your address is in Petaluma's 94952 or 94954 ZIP codes. That includes the Oakhill-Brewster Historic District, the Historic Commercial District downtown, the Payran neighborhood by the river, and the farm and dairy country around the city's edges. If you're unsure about a property near the line, call (707) 396-8940.
Petaluma started at the northernmost navigable point on the Petaluma River, a tidal estuary that winds south to San Pablo Bay. Much of town sits in the river's flood plain, which overflows every few years, and Payran sees it most. City zoning keeps fences and walls out of the Floodway district entirely.
The historic core is well preserved, and homes in districts like Oakhill-Brewster have special rules for exterior changes, so a street-facing fence there starts with a call to Planning. On the farm and dairy land around the edges, ranch rail and paddock fencing tends to suit the ground better than a board fence.
Where does each type of fence fit on a Petaluma property?
Most in-town Petaluma yards suit a 6-foot wood fence or vinyl fence on the rear and interior side lines, with an open screen above for extra height. Fronts in the historic districts call for something low that fits the street. Farm and dairy parcels at the edges take ranch rail or post-and-wire.
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Is a permit required to replace a fence in Petaluma?
Yes. Petaluma wants a fence permit for a brand-new fence and for replacing an old one. Front and street-side setbacks allow 42 inches, while interior side and rear lines allow 6 feet plus 2 feet of screening that's at least half open. Start with the city's permit FAQs to see how it works.
Before you build in Petaluma:
- Confirm your zoning with the Planning Division (707-778-4470 or petalumaplanning@cityofpetaluma.org) first; the Fence Permit application and its fee then go to the Building Division.
- A street-side setback can take a 6-foot fence if it stands 5 feet or more back from the property line, with landscaping in the strip out front.
- Corner lots and driveways have a sight visibility triangle reaching 35 feet from the corner, and fences inside it top out at 42 inches.
- No fence or wall can be built in the Floodway zoning district.
Petaluma FAQ
Which neighbors of Petaluma are on our list too?
Cotati, which lies between Petaluma and Rohnert Park, and Rohnert Park itself. In the Sonoma Valley, we also cover the City of Sonoma and El Verano. Fence rules change at each city line, so check that town's own page or browse our full list of service areas.
Old fence in Petaluma ready to go?
We'll measure the old run and note the setbacks, so your permit paperwork starts with real numbers. Or call (707) 396-8940.