Permit Requirements: Bonsall vs San Diego
How do permit requirements rules compare between Bonsall, CA and San Diego, CA?
Bonsall and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Bonsall, CA
San Diego County
In unincorporated San Diego County, fences under 6 feet generally do not require a building permit per County Code Section 91.1.105.2. Fences over 6 feet, retaining wall-fence combinations, and fences in special areas (wildfire zones, scenic corridors) require permits.
View full Bonsall rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego exempts fences 7 feet and under from building permit requirements under SDMC 129.0202. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit. Retaining walls over 3 feet require a permit. Fences in coastal overlay zones or historic districts may require additional review.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bonsall | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Exempt | Fences 6 ft or under (standard) | Fences 7 ft and under |
| Permit Required | Over 6 ft, retaining wall combo, special zones | - |
| Code | County Code §91.1.105.2 | - |
| Agency | County PDS Building Division | - |
| Submission | Site plan with location, height, materials | - |
| Retaining Wall | - | Permit if over 3 ft |
| Coastal Zone | - | May need CDP |
| Pool Fences | - | Minimum 60 inches required |
| Code Section | - | SDMC 129.0202 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bonsall FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a 6-foot fence in unincorporated San Diego County?
No. Fences 6 feet or under are generally exempt from building permits under County Code Section 91.1.105.2. However, fences in special zones or combined with retaining walls may still need permits.
What about a fence on top of a retaining wall?
If the combined height of the retaining wall and fence exceeds 6 feet, a building permit is required. The retaining wall itself may need a separate permit if it exceeds 3 feet.
How do I apply for a fence permit?
Contact the County Department of Planning & Development Services Building Division. Submit a site plan showing the proposed fence location, height, materials, and relationship to property lines.
San Diego FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in San Diego?
No permit needed for fences 7 feet or under that comply with zoning height limits. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit under SDMC 129.0202.
Do retaining walls need a permit?
Yes, if over 3 feet from footing to top, or any height if supporting a surcharge (driveway, structure, or fence on top). Engineering calculations may be required.
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