SDMC Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 3 limits open fences to 6 feet in required yards (front/side), increasing to 9 feet at the setback line. Solid fences in front yards limited to 3 feet. Rear yard fences up to 6 feet generally permitted. Height measured from the lower of adjacent finished grades.
Under SDMC Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 3, open fences (at least 25% open) are permitted up to 6 feet in required front and street-side yards. The height may increase as the fence is placed farther from the property line: starting at 6 feet at the property line and up to 9 feet at the building setback line. Solid fences in required front yards are limited to 3 feet to maintain visibility. Rear and interior side yard fences are generally permitted up to 6 feet. In corner lots, sight visibility triangles at intersections must be maintained, limiting fence height to 3 feet within the triangle area. Height is measured from the lower of adjacent finished grades on either side of the fence. Fences atop retaining walls have combined height restrictions.
Code enforcement notice to correct. Non-compliant fences may be ordered removed or reduced in height. Fines for failure to comply within the notice period.
San Diego, CA
San Diego allows backyard recreational fires under San Diego Fire Code Section 511.0307 (adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307) when the fire is no ...
San Diego, CA
San Diego enforces 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 and California Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13114 through the San Diego Build...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. California Civil Code Β§ 4710 limi...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to SDM...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Amplified outdoor audi...
San Diego, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Diego require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle height limits.
See how San Diego's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.