Fence Regulations in San Diego, CA (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
San Diego's fence height caps depend on location: 3 feet in visibility triangle areas and along most front and street-side property lines, sliding up to 6 feet as the fence moves back, and up to 9 feet in side and rear yards.
San Diego Fence Height Limits by Yard
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 142.0310(b)-(c)
(b) Fence Height in Visibility Areas. Fences in visibility areas shall not exceed 3 feet in height. (c) Fence Height in Required Front Yards and Required Street Side Yards (1) Solid Fences (A) Solid fences located on the front or street side property line shall not exceed 3 feet in height...
Fence Permit Requirements
San Diego generally does not require permits for standard fences up to 6 feet in height. Fences over 6 feet, masonry/concrete walls, and fences in special zones require building permits. Permit fees are based on project valuation per Information Bulletin 501.
San Diego Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsCity of San Diego — Permits and Approvals (Development Services)
A permit is required for projects such as new construction, additions, remodeling or repairs to electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems. All new permits and approvals must be submitted online. [...] Building Permit: This permit ensures that construction projects comply with local, state and federal standards for land use, zoning and construction, and verify compliance with the minimum stand...
Neighbor Fence Rules
California Civil Code Sections 841-841.4 (Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013) governs shared boundary fences in San Diego. Adjoining landowners are presumed equally responsible for maintaining boundary fences. A neighbor must give 30 days written notice before fence work.
San Diego Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code § 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act)
(a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b) (1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, maint...
Retaining Walls
San Diego caps freestanding retaining walls at 12 feet outside required yards, with lower limits and horizontal offsets required closer to the street; any wall 3 feet or taller needs a Building Permit.
San Diego Retaining Wall Height Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 142.0340
(a) Location and Height of Retaining Wall (1) No portion of a retaining wall shall extend beyond the property line of the premises into the public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit has been obtained... (e) Retaining Wall Height Outside of Required Yards. Retaining walls located outside of the required yards shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
Material Restrictions
San Diego allows wood, brick, block, stone, stucco, metal, and prefabricated PVC for fences, but bans plywood outright and requires vinyl fencing to be manufactured specifically as fence material rather than improvised sheeting.
San Diego Fence Construction Materials
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 142.0370
(a) Solid fences shall be constructed of wood, brick, block, stone, frame-stucco, tile, metal, opaque plastic, or other similar material. Plywood is not a permitted fence material. (b) Open fences shall be constructed of materials such as wood, ornamental iron, metal, screen or decorative block, or translucent plastic ...
Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Diego city rules.
Fence Regulations in San Diego County →