San Diego County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Fence height in unincorporated San Diego County is governed by Section 6708 of the County Zoning Ordinance (Permitted Fences, Walls, Gates and Entry Structures), which applies countywide to all unincorporated areas under Section 1006. For solid fences and walls, Section 6708(a) sets a maximum of 42 inches in the front or exterior side yard and 72 inches (6 feet) in the rear or interior side yard; within the main building area a fence may rise to the maximum height applicable to the main building. Open fences and walls under Section 6708(b) follow the same 42-inch front/exterior-side and 72-inch rear/interior-side limits, with a rural exception: on lots of one gross acre or larger in the A70, A72, RR, S82, S88, S90 and S92 zones, open fences of woven or barbed wire, wrought iron, pipe corral, or rails may be 72 inches high in the front or exterior side yard. Gates and gate entry structures may reach 12 feet (Section 6708(d)). Section 6708(i) allows an administrative exception for fence heights up to 7 feet 6 inches in interior side yard setbacks or rear yard setbacks not abutting a street, alley, or private thoroughfare, with written consent from contiguous property owners. These zoning limits are separate from building-permit thresholds; many incorporated cities within the county (San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, etc.) have their own fence codes.