Material Restrictions: Fresno vs Selma

FMC §15-2019 prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, sheet metal, salvage materials, and electric fencing in residential zones in Fresno. Acceptable materials are wood, vinyl, masonry (brick, block, stone), wrought iron, chain link with or without slats, composite, and bamboo. Commercial and industrial zones may use chain link and barbed wire with setback.

Selma regulates fence materials by zoning district under SMC 11-20-14 and the 2024 Zoning Code Update Section 11-2.2(D), with the most significant restrictions applying to hazardous materials in residential areas. Barbed wire is strictly prohibited on fences in all residential zones within the city and is only permitted in commercial and industrial districts, where it is limited to a maximum of four single strands at the top of an otherwise standard fence. Concertina wire and razor wire face even greater restriction, being permitted only in areas zoned exclusively for industrial use. These material restrictions reflect the city's commitment to maintaining safe, neighborhood-compatible fencing while allowing appropriate security measures in commercial and industrial contexts. Screening walls and fences installed to conceal outdoor storage of RVs, boats, and equipment must match the primary residential structure in materials, color, and general appearance to maintain neighborhood aesthetics, as required by the 2024 Zoning Code Update. The required six-foot masonry wall at commercial-residential interfaces must be constructed of solid masonry materials capable of providing effective noise attenuation and visual screening. Standard residential fencing materials including wood, vinyl, chain-link, wrought iron, composite materials, and masonry block are generally accepted throughout Selma, provided they meet the applicable height requirements and are maintained in a safe, structurally sound condition.