Fremont Rancher Battles City Over Fence on Private Land

Officials demand rancher remove electric gate, but he argues it's on his property.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:47pm

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A bison rancher in Fremont, California is in a dispute with city officials over an electric gate he installed on a rural section of road leading to his property. The rancher, Christopher George, fought for years to gain control of the 1,000-foot stretch of Morrison Canyon Road, which the Alameda County Board of Supervisors granted him responsibility for in 2025. George then quickly put up the gate, but now Fremont officials are demanding he take it down, claiming it violates city code by obstructing a public street. However, George and his attorney argue the fence is on private land and therefore not under Fremont's jurisdiction.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between private property rights and public access, especially in rural areas where land ownership can be complex. It also speaks to the challenges ranchers and other rural landowners can face when dealing with encroaching urban development and local government regulations.

The details

After years of fighting with county, local, and district officials over control of the 1,000-foot stretch of Morrison Canyon Road, rancher Christopher George was granted responsibility for the roadway by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in October 2025. George then promptly installed an electric gate on the road, leading Fremont city officials to demand he take it down, claiming it violates city code by obstructing a public street. However, George and his attorney argue the fence is on private land and therefore not under Fremont's jurisdiction.

  • In October 2025, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors granted Christopher George responsibility over the 1,000-foot stretch of Morrison Canyon Road.
  • Shortly after gaining control of the roadway, George installed an electric gate.

The players

Christopher George

A bison rancher in Fremont, California who has been in a dispute with city officials over an electric gate he installed on a rural section of road leading to his property.

Fremont City Officials

Officials in the city of Fremont, California who are demanding that George remove the electric gate, claiming it violates city code by obstructing a public street.

Alameda County Board of Supervisors

The county governing body that granted George responsibility over the 1,000-foot stretch of Morrison Canyon Road in October 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure public access to all roads in Fremont, regardless of who claims ownership.”

— Fremont City Official

“This fence is on my private property and Fremont has no jurisdiction over it.”

— Christopher George, Bison Rancher

What’s next

The dispute is ongoing, with Fremont officials continuing to demand George remove the gate and George refusing to do so. The outcome may ultimately depend on further legal proceedings to determine the precise boundaries of George's property and the public's right-of-way.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and sometimes contentious relationship between private property rights and public access, especially in rural areas where land ownership can be ambiguous. It underscores the need for clear policies and processes to resolve such disputes in a fair and equitable manner.