5 rules for unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, required fencing and screening must be at least 6 feet tall. Fences generally cannot exceed 6 feet 6 inches in height, except that fences up to 12 feet may be built only on property lines where a building could also be built, and decorative gateposts may rise to 14 feet 6 inches.
San Luis Obispo County Code Section 22.10.080 (Inland LUO) / Section 23.04.190 (Coastal LUO)
Unless otherwise specified, fencing and screening shall be a minimum height of six feet ... The 6 foot 6 inch height limitation does not apply to vegetation growing on an interior side or rear property line or within an interior side or rear setback. Fences up to 12 feet in height may only be constructed on a property line where a building may be constructed on a property line.
Typical residential fences in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County do not require a planning or building permit. However, fences that must be constructed per the Uniform/California Building Code (e.g., taller walls, pool/spa enclosures, masonry walls) do require a building permit, and discretionary approval is needed to exceed standard height or modify material requirements.
SLO County Planning & Building - Fencing and Screening; Code Section 22.10.080
Typically a fence does not require a permit, but make sure to read the fencing and screening tables ... Any of the requirements may be waived or modified through Minor Use Permit approval, provided the Director finds that specifically identified characteristics of the site or site vicinity would make required fencing or screening unnecessary or ineffective.
Shared boundary fences in California are governed by the Good Neighbor Fence Act (CA Civil Code §841), presuming adjoining owners share the cost equally after 30 days' notice — particularly relevant for rural and ranching parcels.
San Luis Obispo County's Land Use Ordinance specifies fence and screening materials by location. Required screening must generally be solid wood or masonry, or open wire/chain link that permits passage of at least 90 percent of light. Chain-link with slats plus landscaping may substitute for a solid wall only in industrial categories.
San Luis Obispo County Code Section 22.10.080
Where screening is required by this Title to be a solid fence or wall, alternative materials may be substituted through adjustment, except a solid fence or wall must be used where screening is required adjacent to a residential use or category. Chain-link fencing with slats and landscaping may be substituted for a solid wall or fence in an Industrial category, except where screening or fencing ...
County zoning permits standard fence materials and, given the agricultural/ranching character of unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, allows agricultural and livestock fencing (including barbed wire) where land use supports it.
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