Fence Regulations in Santa Barbara, CA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Santa Barbara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In residential zones, fences and walls within 10 feet of a front lot line are limited to 3.5 feet; screens and hedges to 8 feet. Within front setbacks (10-35 ft) and interior setbacks (5-15 ft), fences, screens, walls and hedges are limited to 8 feet. Administrative exceptions can add 4-6 feet.
Santa Barbara Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsCity of Santa Barbara Fence, Screen, Wall and Hedge Guidelines (Public Works Handout, Revised August 2025), implementing SBMC 28.87.170
Within ten feet (10') of a front lot line, fences and walls are limited to three and one-half feet (3 1/2') in height, and screens and hedges are limited to eight feet (8'). ... Within front setbacks (ranging from 10 to 35 feet in residential zones), fences, screens, walls and hedges are limited to eight feet (8'). ... Within interior setbacks (ranging from 5 to 15 feet in residential zones), f...
Fence Permit Requirements
Residential fences and walls not over 3.5 feet high are exempt from a building permit. Residential retaining and non-retaining walls not over 4 feet (footing to top) are exempt unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids. Taller fences and walls need a permit, and front-yard fences over 3.5 feet trigger design review.
Santa Barbara Fence Permit Requirements
Light RestrictionsCity of Santa Barbara Community Development Department, Work Exempt From Permit handout (items 2 and 4)
2. Fences. Residential fences and walls not over 3-1/2 feet high, as measured from the lowest adjacent grade within 3-1/2 feet of the fence. ... 4. Walls. Residential retaining walls, and non-retaining walls, including masonry and concrete walls, which are not over 4 feet in height as measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding fla...
Retaining Walls
Residential retaining walls not over 4 feet (footing to top) are permit-exempt unless they support a surcharge or impound flammable liquids. Where a fence sits on a retaining wall, the part of the wall above finished grade counts toward fence height. Retaining walls 6 feet or taller trigger Single Family Design Board review.
Santa Barbara Retaining Wall Rules
Some RestrictionsCity of Santa Barbara Fence, Screen, Wall and Hedge Guidelines (Retaining Walls; Design Review), citing SBMC 22.69.020.C.7
Where fences, screens, walls or hedges are located on retaining walls, the portion of the retaining wall above finished grade shall be considered as part of the overall height of the fence, screen, wall or hedge. ... 7. The construction, alteration or addition of a retaining wall that is six feet (6') or greater in height.
Material Restrictions
The Fence Guidelines set height and location but defer the exact material, color, width and style to design-review boards. Front-yard fences, walls and gates over 3.5 feet go to the Single Family Design Board; duplex and multi-family fences go to the Architectural Board of Review; historic-district fences require Historic Landmarks Commission approval.
Santa Barbara Fence Material and Design Review
Some RestrictionsCity of Santa Barbara Fence, Screen, Wall and Hedge Guidelines (Introduction; Design Review), citing SBMC 22.69.020.C.8
The Fences, Screens, Walls and Hedges Guidelines primarily address the allowed location and height of fences, screens, walls and hedges. The exact material, color, width and style of any of those elements may be subject to other guidelines (e.g., Single Family Design Board General Design Guidelines and Meeting Procedures), as applicable. ... 8. The construction, alteration or addition of a wall...
Looking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Barbara city rules.
Fence Regulations in Santa Barbara County →