San Diego County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front / exterior side yard
- 42 inches max (Sec. 6708)
- Rear / interior side yard
- 72 inches (6 ft) max (Sec. 6708)
- Rural open fence exception
- 72 in on 1+ acre A70/A72/RR/S82/S88/S90/S92 lots
- Admin exception (interior/rear)
- Up to 7 ft 6 in (Sec. 6708i)
- Gates / entry structures
- Up to 12 ft (Sec. 6708d)
- Authority
- County Zoning Ordinance, applies to unincorporated areas only
Summary
In unincorporated San Diego County, Section 6708 of the County Zoning Ordinance limits solid fences and walls to 42 inches in the front or exterior side yard and 72 inches in the rear or interior side yard. Within the main building area, fences may reach the height allowed for the main building. Greater heights require an administrative permit or exception.
EXCERPTS FROM ZONING ORDINANCE § 6708 Fences and walls are permitted at the following locations provided they conform to the height limitations shown below: Main building area: Permitted up to the maximum height applicable to the main building Front or exterior side yard: Permitted up to a maximum height of 42 inches Rear or interior side yard: Permitted up to a maximum height of 72 inches
See the County Zoning Ordinance for additional information and exceptions or contact Planning and Development Services at (858) 565-5981.
FIRE-RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION IN WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREAS Any portion of a fence within 5 feet of a building shall be constructed of non-combustib
Full Breakdown
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. ) have their own fence codes.
Violations & Fines
Fences exceeding the Section 6708 height limits without an approved administrative permit or exception are zoning violations enforced by Planning & Development Services (PDS) Code Compliance. Enforcement typically begins with a notice of violation, and unpermitted over-height fences may have to be lowered or removed. Building fences requiring a permit without one is a separate Building Division violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my fence be in unincorporated San Diego County?
Can I get a taller fence than the standard limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
How San Diego County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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