Fence Regulations in San Luis Obispo County, CA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
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.
Fences over 6 ft 6 in tightly limited; gateposts to 14 ft 6 in
Some RestrictionsSan 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.
Fence Permit Requirements
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.
Most fences exempt; building permit required for some
Some RestrictionsSLO 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.
Retaining Walls
San Luis Obispo County requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet high, or shorter walls that carry a surcharge, hold back liquid, or sit near a property line.
SLO County Retaining Wall Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsSan Luis Obispo County Code § 19.02.020(f)(1)(d)
Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge, impounding Class I, II, IIIA liquids, or located within 3 feet of a property line and retaining soil more than 2 feet in height.
Material Restrictions
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.
Solid wood, masonry, or 90% open materials required
Some RestrictionsSan 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 ...
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