In residential zones, fences and walls within 10 feet of a front lot line are limited to 3.5 feet; screens and hedges to 8 feet. Within front setbacks (10-35 ft) and interior setbacks (5-15 ft), fences, screens, walls and hedges are limited to 8 feet. Administrative exceptions can add 4-6 feet.
The City of Santa Barbara regulates fence, screen, wall and hedge height through its Zoning Ordinance. The City uses two zoning codes: Title 28 applies inside the Coastal Zone (SBMC 28.87.170) and Title 30 applies in areas outside the Coastal Zone (SBMC 30.140), but the height standards are the same. Within ten feet of a front lot line, fences and walls are limited to three and one-half feet (3.5') in height, while screens and hedges are limited to eight feet (8'). Within front setbacks (ranging from 10 to 35 feet in residential zones) and within interior setbacks (ranging from 5 to 15 feet in residential zones), fences, screens, walls and hedges are limited to eight feet (8'). Height is measured vertically from the lowest point of contact with the ground directly adjacent to either side to the highest point. Where a fence sits on a retaining wall, the portion of the retaining wall above finished grade counts toward the overall height. Proposed fences and hedges must also comply with the Solar Access height limitations (SBMC 30.140.170 / 28.11). Administrative review can allow fences and walls to exceed interior-setback limits by up to 4 feet and screens and hedges by up to 6 feet.
Fences, screens, walls or hedges that exceed the applicable height limit without an approved Administrative exception or Modification are zoning violations. The Community Development Department can require the structure to be lowered or removed and can withhold permits or final approvals until the violation is corrected.
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