Fence Regulations in Monterey County, CA (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Monterey County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In unincorporated Monterey County, the Building & Planning Services FAQ states a fence generally may not exceed six feet high unless it meets the setback required for a non-habitable accessory structure in that zoning district. Title 21 (inland) and Title 20 (coastal) govern; height limits are tied to setback location, not a flat number.
Monterey County Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsCounty of Monterey HCD, Building and Planning Services FAQ (interpreting Title 21 Ch. 21.62)
In all zoning districts, your fence may not be more than six feet high unless it meets the setback requirements for an accessory structure (non-habitable).
Fence Permit Requirements
Per the Monterey County Building & Planning Services FAQ, a building permit is NOT required for concrete/masonry fences not over 6 ft, wood/vinyl/metal fences not over 8 ft, and open metal fences not over 10 ft. A separate planning permit may still apply, and Design Control District parcels need Design Approval.
Monterey County Fence Permits
Some RestrictionsCounty of Monterey HCD, Building and Planning Services FAQ
Permits are not required for concrete and masonry fences not over 6 feet high, wood, vinyl and metal fences not more than 8 feet high and open metal fences not over 10 feet high. However, zoning regulations may require you to obtain a planning permit.
Retaining Walls
In unincorporated Monterey County, a retaining wall built under a building permit for a structure's footings does not need a separate grading permit under Chapter 16.08, but that exemption ends once the wall's unsupported height exceeds five feet after completion. Retaining walls can also be used to reduce required cut-and-fill slope setbacks, but only with the Building Official's approval.
Monterey County Retaining Wall Height and Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsMonterey County Code § 16.08.040
No person shall do, cause, permit, aid, abet, suffer, or furnish equipment or labor for any grading without first obtaining a grading permit from the Building Official, subject to the following exceptions: ...C.Basements and Footings. An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall or other structure authorized by a valid building permit; this shall ...
Material Restrictions
Monterey County's building-permit exemptions distinguish fence materials: concrete/masonry fences are exempt up to 6 ft, wood/vinyl/metal up to 8 ft, and open metal up to 10 ft. Above those heights a permit is required. Design Control Districts add material and appearance review through Design Approval.
Monterey County Fence Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCounty of Monterey HCD, Building and Planning Services FAQ (Title 18 administration)
Permits are not required for concrete and masonry fences not over 6 feet high, wood, vinyl and metal fences not more than 8 feet high and open metal fences not over 10 feet high.
Fence Regulations by City in Monterey County
1 cities in Monterey County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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