Santa Barbara, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Within 10 ft of front lot line
- Fences/walls 3.5 ft; screens/hedges 8 ft
- Front setbacks (10-35 ft)
- 8 ft max
- Interior setbacks (5-15 ft)
- 8 ft max
- Code sections
- SBMC 28.87.170 (Coastal) / 30.140 (non-Coastal)
- Solar access
- Limited by SBMC 30.140.170 / 28.11
- Admin exception
- +4 ft fences/walls, +6 ft screens/hedges (interior setback)
Summary
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.
Within ten feet (10') of a front lot line, fences and walls are limited to three and one-half feet (3 1/2') in height, and screens and hedges are limited to eight feet (8'). ... Within front setbacks (ranging from 10 to 35 feet in residential zones), fences, screens, walls and hedges are limited to eight feet (8'). ... Within interior setbacks (ranging from 5 to 15 feet in residential zones), fences, screens, walls and hedges are limited to eight feet (8').
Full Breakdown
The City of Santa Barbara regulates fence, screen, wall and hedge height through its Zoning Ordinance. 140), but the height standards are the same. 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. 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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a fence be in my Santa Barbara front yard?
Are City and County fence rules the same?
Does it matter if my property is in the Coastal Zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Barbara
How Santa Barbara compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Barbara to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Barbara County handle height limits.