Santa Cruz County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Fence and retaining-wall heights in the unincorporated County are governed by Santa Cruz County Code (SCCC) 13.10.525, 'Regulations for fences and retaining walls within required yards.' Per the County Planning Department's 'Fences and Walls' publication, height is measured from the exposed face at its tallest point, from finished grade at the base to the top. Where a parcel slopes down from a right-of-way, height is measured from the curb or edge of shoulder nearest the fence. Front yards (and yards abutting a street) are generally limited to 3 feet, side or rear yards abutting a street to 6 feet (8 feet where set back at least 5 feet), and side or rear yards not abutting a street to 8 feet — all without discretionary approval. Within a corner sight clearance triangle no fence may exceed 3 feet. Heights above these limits up to 8 feet require an over-height fence certification with a Minor Site Development Permit; over 8 feet requires an Administrative Site Development Permit. In the Coastal Zone, a coastal development permit is required unless exempt under SCCC 13.20.060 or 13.20.070. Limits vary by zoning and by whether the parcel lies inside the Urban/Rural Services Line.