Fence Regulations in National City, CA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for National City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In National City, fences, walls and hedges up to 8 feet high are allowed in setback areas, but in a front setback or a corner lot's exterior side setback the limit is 4 feet, or 6 feet for a residentially developed property in a residential zone. Masonry walls cap at 8 feet.
National City Fence and Wall Height Limits
Some RestrictionsNational City Municipal Code § 18.43.050
A.Fences and Walls.1.Fences and walls not exceeding eight feet in height and hedges may be located in setback areas; provided, that if located in any front setback or exterior side setback of any corner lot, they shall not exceed four feet in height, except that a residentially developed property in a residential zone may have a fence, wall or hedge not exceeding six feet in height within the e...
Fence Permit Requirements
In National City, the Land Use Code states one flat permit rule for fences: all masonry walls require a building permit and must conform to the California Building Code. Special fences need planning division approval, and view-obscuring fence openings need site plan approval. Chapter 18.43 prints no general permit rule for wood, vinyl or chain link fences.
National City Fence Permit and Approval Requirements
Light RestrictionsNational City Municipal Code § 18.43.040
A.Fences and Walls.1.All fences and walls shall be constructed of new or good used material, and all fences and walls shall be kept in good repair and adequately maintained. Any dilapidated, dangerous, or unsightly fences or walls shall be removed, unless otherwise required, or repaired.2.All masonry walls shall conform to the requirements of the California Building Code. All masonry walls requ...
Retaining Walls
In National City, a retaining wall three feet or less in height, measured from top of footing to top of wall, is exempt from a grading permit only when no surcharge is present, the backfill is level and the wall is not part of a building. It must still follow the Regional Standard Drawings and is inspected by the City Engineer. Taller walls need a permit with four sets of engineered plans.
National City Retaining Wall Permits and Three-Foot Threshold
Some RestrictionsNational City Municipal Code § 15.70.065
J104.6 Regular Grading and Retaining Wall Construction Requirements. ... Each application for a grading or retaining wall permit shall be accompanied by four sets of plans and specifications, in sufficient clarity, to indicate the nature and extent of the work, as well as supporting data consisting of a soils engineering report, engineering geology report (if necessary), drainage study, structu...
Material Restrictions
In National City, barbed wire, electrified fence, concertina wire, and razor wire fence are prohibited in residential and commercial zones under § 18.43.060, unless a city, state, or federal law or regulation requires them. Barbed wire above six feet in height is allowed only in industrial zones. The Westside Specific Plan area also bans chain link fencing.
National City Fence Material Restrictions: Barbed and Razor Wire
Significant RestrictionsNational City Municipal Code § 18.43.060
A.Materials.1.The use of barbed wire, electrified fence, concertina or razor wire fence in conjunction with any fence, wall, or hedge, or by itself within any zoning district, is prohibited in residential and commercial zones unless required by law or regulation of the city, the state, or the federal government.2.The use of barbed wire above six feet in height is only allowed in industrial zone...
Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement National City city rules.
Fence Regulations in San Diego County →