San Diego County Height Limits Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Max Height (No Permit)
- 6 feet
- Security Fence Max
- 8 feet (top 2 ft barbed/razor wire)
- Near-Building Setback
- 5 ft — must be noncombustible
- Building Permit Threshold
- Over 6 feet
- Governing Authority
- PDS Building Division
The Short Version
Fences and free-standing masonry walls up to 6 feet in height that comply with the County Zoning Ordinance are exempt from building permits in unincorporated San Diego County. Open fences up to 8 feet are permitted where the top 2 feet consists of barbed or razor wire for security. Any fence within 5 feet of a building must be constructed of noncombustible material. Height limits in front yard setback areas may be more restrictive depending on the zone designation.
Full Breakdown
San Diego County's fence regulations are administered by Planning & Development Services (PDS) and are governed by both the Zoning Ordinance and the Building Code. As outlined in PDS bulletin 070, fences and free-standing masonry walls not over 6 feet in height that comply with the fencing and landscaping regulations of the County Zoning Ordinance are exempt from building permits.
Open fences up to 8 feet in height are also exempt from building permits, but only where allowed by the County Zoning Ordinance, and only if the uppermost 2 feet consists solely of barbed or razor wire and necessary support elements placed at an angle to the vertical for security purposes.
A critical fire safety requirement applies to fences near buildings: any portion of a fence or other structure less than 5 feet from a building must be constructed of noncombustible material or pressure-treated exterior fir (or similar fire-resistant materials). This requirement reflects San Diego County's elevated fire risk, particularly in wildland-urban interface areas.
Fence height limits may vary depending on the specific zone designation and setback requirements. In front yard setback areas, fences may be limited to a lower height — typically 42 inches (3.5 feet) in some zones — to maintain visibility and neighborhood character. The Setback Regulations in Sections 4800 through 4899 of the Zoning Ordinance establish the minimum front, side, and rear yard requirements, and these interact with fence placement rules.
Properties in special areas such as the Coastal Overlay Zone or community-specific design standards may have additional restrictions. To determine the exact fence regulations for a specific property, check the zone designation and applicable setback designator using the County's GIS system or contact PDS at (858) 565-5920.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Building a fence over 6 feet without a permit is a building code violation enforceable by PDS Code Compliance. Violations may result in a notice to correct, followed by administrative citations if not remedied. Fences that violate setback or height limits may be required to be removed or modified at the owner's expense. Noncombustible material requirements near buildings are enforced as part of fire safety inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit for a 6-foot fence in San Diego County?
Can I put barbed wire on my fence in San Diego County?
How tall can a fence be in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
How does San Diego County compare?
See how San Diego County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.