Fence Regulations in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
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.
Santa Cruz County Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsSCCC 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).
Fence Permit Requirements
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.
Santa Cruz County Fence Permits
Some RestrictionsSCCC 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.
Retaining Walls
In unincorporated Santa Cruz County, a retaining wall holding back three feet of material or less needs no building permit, but any wall retaining more than four feet must be designed by a California-licensed engineer, and walls supporting a surcharge or Class I-III-A liquids never qualify for the exemption.
Santa Cruz County Retaining Wall Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 12.10.315(A)(4)
Retaining walls, which retain not more than three feet of material unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids. Unless specifically exempted by the Building Official, retaining walls retaining more than four feet of material shall be designed by an engineer licensed by the State of California to perform such design.
Material Restrictions
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.
Santa Cruz County Fence Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsSCCC 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.
Fence Regulations by City in Santa Cruz County
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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