Fence Regulations in San Clemente, CA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for San Clemente, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In San Clemente's residential zones, fences, walls and hedges may be 3 feet 6 inches in the front-yard setback and up to 6 feet in interior side and rear yards. Corner and reverse-corner lots have stricter street-side limits.
San Clemente Fence Height Limits (SCMC 17.24.090)
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
San Clemente does not require a building permit for a fence 6 feet or less (masonry under 42 inches), but zoning height limits still apply. Taller front or street-side fences need a Minor Exception Permit.
San Clemente Fence Permits (SCMC + Building Code)
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
San Clemente's code sets fence heights and requires fences be maintained so they are not a hazard, but does not itself divide cost between neighbors. Shared-fence cost sharing is governed by California's Good Neighbor Fence Law.
San Clemente Shared Fence Rules (SCMC 17.24.090)
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
San Clemente limits residential retaining walls to 3 feet 6 inches in front-yard setbacks and 6 feet elsewhere, rising to 8 feet 6 inches when the wall faces toward the subject property. Stepped walls and guardrails have added rules.
San Clemente Retaining Wall Limits (SCMC 17.24.180)
Some RestrictionsFence Requirements
San Clemente requires fences, walls and hedges to be maintained so they are not a traffic, person or property hazard, measures height from the lower side of finished grade, and keeps front-yard structures low for an open street scene.
San Clemente Fence Requirements (SCMC 17.24.090)
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
San Clemente prohibits barbed wire and razor-wire fences in all zones, except where such materials are needed to restrict access to public utility equipment such as high-voltage transformers.
San Clemente Bans Barbed Wire Fences (SCMC 17.24.090)
Some RestrictionsApproved Materials
San Clemente does not restrict residential fence materials to a set list, but requires safe construction and measures pilasters and trellises as part of fence height. Nonresidential fence materials are set through architectural review.
San Clemente Fence Materials Standards (SCMC 17.24.090)
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Clemente city rules.
Fence Regulations in Orange County →