8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Santa Cruz County, SCCC 13.10.525 regulates fence and retaining-wall heights within required yards. The County's Planning publication allows fences up to 8 feet in side and rear yards not abutting a street and 3 feet in front yards without discretionary approval, measured from finished grade at the base.
SCCC 13.10.525 - Fences and retaining walls within required yards (as summarized in County Fences and Walls publication)
Height is determined by measuring the exposed face of the fence or wall at its tallest point, from finished grade at the base, to the top of the fence or wall. Within sight distance triangles, the maximum structure height is three feet (see SCCC 13.16.093).
Two separate permit tracks apply: a building permit under the California Building Code (fences over 8 ft wood/metal, over 6 ft concrete/masonry) and zoning over-height certification under SCCC 13.10.525 (Minor Site Development Permit up to 8 ft, Administrative Site Development Permit above 8 ft). Coastal Zone fences also need a coastal development permit unless exempt.
SCCC 13.10.525(d) - Over-Height Fence Certification (as summarized in County Fences and Walls publication)
An over-height fence certification for fence height up to eight feet may be issued with a Minor Site Development Permit with findings as provided by 18.10.230(A) and, if in the Coastal Zone, the finding that the subject development will not adversely impact public views and scenic character. Fence heights greater than eight feet require an Administrative Site Development Permit.
Santa Cruz County Code does not set out boundary-fence cost-sharing rules. Shared 'good neighbor' fences in the unincorporated County are governed by California Civil Code 841, which presumes adjoining landowners are equally responsible for the reasonable costs of a boundary fence and requires 30 days' prior written notice before incurring costs.
Retaining walls in unincorporated Santa Cruz County fall under the same yard height rules as fences (SCCC 13.10.525) and are measured the same way. A building permit is required when a wall retains more than 3 feet of material, or retains a surcharge or impounds liquids, per the County Building FAQ and the California Building Code.
Beyond height, fences in unincorporated Santa Cruz County must preserve sight distance at driveways and intersections, keep corner sight clearance triangles clear to 3 feet, and obtain a coastal development permit in the Coastal Zone unless exempt. Walkway archways/trellises/pergolas up to 8 feet are allowed but may not exceed 25% of fence length.
SCCC 13.10.525 does not impose a general list of prohibited fence materials for ordinary residential fences, but it sets material-based building-permit thresholds (concrete/masonry over 6 ft; wood/metal over 8 ft) and material standards for agricultural and temporary farm fencing. Coastal Zone fences need a coastal development permit unless exempt.
SCCC 13.10.525 (agricultural fencing provision, as summarized in County Fences and Walls publication)
In agricultural zone districts, fencing for agricultural purposes may have heights up to six feet in all yards; provided, that such fencing is: (i) six feet or less in height; and (ii) made of wire which is spaced a minimum of one inch apart, supported with wood or metal posts, or made of wooden members which are spaced a minimum of eight inches apart.
Common wood, metal, masonry, wire, and woven materials are allowed for fences in unincorporated Santa Cruz County. Material drives building-permit thresholds (concrete/masonry over 6 ft; wood/metal over 8 ft), and SCCC 13.10.525 sets material criteria for agricultural and temporary farm fencing and for open decorative features like lattice.
1 cities in Santa Cruz County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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