6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 9 cities in San Diego County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated San Diego County, open fences (wire, wrought iron, pipe, rails) may be up to 72 inches (6 ft). Fences in visibility areas (intersections, driveways) cannot exceed 3 feet. Solid fences in front yards limited to 42 inches. Rear and side yard fences up to 6 feet.
County of San Diego Planning & Development Services, Form PDS-070 Fences (Rev. 01/01/2023), Excerpts from County Zoning Ordinance Β§ 6708
EXCERPTS FROM ZONING ORDINANCE Β§ 6708 Fences and walls are permitted at the following locations provided they conform to the height limitations shown below: ο± Main building area: Permitted up to the maximum height applicable to the main building ο± Front or exterior side yard: Permitted up to a maximum height of 42 inches ο± Rear or interior side yard: Permitted up to a maximum height of 72 inche...
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.
California Civil Code Sections 841β841.4 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) govern shared boundary fences statewide, including unincorporated San Diego County. Adjoining landowners share equally in the cost of maintaining or replacing a boundary fence that benefits both properties.
California Civil Code Β§ 841(a)-(b)
(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...
Retaining walls over 3 feet in height (measured from top of footing to top of wall) require a building permit in unincorporated San Diego County. Walls supporting a surcharge (additional weight or structures above) also require permits regardless of height.
All swimming pools in unincorporated San Diego County must have safety barriers at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates per the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act. Gates must open away from the pool with latches at least 60 inches above ground.
California Health and Safety Code Β§ 115920 (short title β Swimming Pool Safety Act, HSC §§ 115920β115929)
California Code, HSC 115920. skip to content home accessibility FAQ feedback sitemap login x Quick Search: Bill Number Bill Keyword Home Bill Information California Law Publications Other Resources My Subscriptions My Favorites California Law >> >> Code Section Code Section Code: Select Code CONS BPC CIV CCP COM CORP EDC ELEC EVID FAM FIN FGC FAC GOV HNC HSC INS LAB MVC PEN PROB PCC PRC PUC RTC...
San Diego County restricts certain fencing materials in residential zones. Barbed wire and razor wire are generally limited to agricultural and industrial zones. In wildfire zones, fences within 5 feet of structures must be non-combustible or fire-retardant material.
9 cities in San Diego County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
6 verified rules β’ Height Limits, Material Restrictions
6 verified rules β’ Height Limits, Material Restrictions
6 verified rules β’ Height Limits, Material Restrictions
6 verified rules β’ Height Limits, Material Restrictions
7 verified rules β’ Fence Requirements, Height Limits
6 verified rules β’ Height Limits, Material Restrictions
6 verified rules β’ Height Limits, Material Restrictions
5 verified rules β’ Height Limits, Neighbor Fence Rules
7 verified rules β’ Fence Requirements, Height Limits
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San Diego County Ordinance Hub β