Fence Regulations in Santa Maria, CA (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Santa Maria, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 12-27 limits fences to 3 feet immediately behind the public utility easement (front yard), and 6 feet within required side and rear yards. A 6-foot wall is allowed in the front/interior side yard only if set back 10 feet from the back of sidewalk and is no longer than 1/3 of the parcel width, subject to corner-cutback rules.
3 ft front yard, 6 ft side/rear (SMMC 12-27)
Some RestrictionsSanta Maria Municipal Code §12-27.02 (Fences, Walls and Hedges)
Fencing shall not exceed a height of three feet immediately behind the public utility easement, except that fences and walls up to a maximum height of six feet are permitted along the interior side lot lines and in the front yard, provided that the walls are set back ten feet or more from the back of sidewalk or front property line and are no longer than 1/3 of the parcel width.
Permit Requirements
Under California Residential Code R105.2 (adopted by Santa Maria in SMMC Chapter 9-08), a wood, chain-link or similar fence not over 7 feet in height is exempt from a building permit. Masonry walls, retaining walls over 4 feet, and electric fences (SMMC Chapter 9-04) require a permit from the Community Development Department.
No permit if ≤7 ft wood/chain link; electric needs permit
Few Restrictions2022 California Residential Code §R105.2 (adopted by reference in SMMC Chapter 9-08)
Work exempt from permit. Building. A building permit shall not be required for the following: ... 2. Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Santa Maria's Good Neighbor Rules (Chapter 4-7) address fence-related neighbor issues. California law does not require neighbor consent to build on your own property. Shared fence costs may be split.
Santa Maria Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsCal. Civil Code Section 841
(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...
Material Restrictions
Santa Maria Municipal Code prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, or similar sharp-pointed materials on fences in any zoning district. The Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission may approve an exception via Conditional Use Permit for documented safety/security needs, and the sharp material must sit atop a lawful fence at least 6 feet tall.
No barbed wire or razor wire (SMMC 12-27)
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Maria Municipal Code §12-27.02 (Fences, Walls and Hedges)
It shall be unlawful for any person within the City to place, build or erect a fence, railing, guard or barrier of any kind constructed with barbed wire, razor wire or similar sharp pointed materials in any zoning district.
Approved Materials
Santa Maria zoning permits standard residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, masonry, ornamental metal, chain link). Barbed wire, razor wire and electrified fencing are generally prohibited in residential zones.
Fences: Materials
Few RestrictionsLooking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Maria city rules.
Fence Regulations in Santa Barbara County →