Santa Clarita Height Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Santa Clarita's Unified Development Code (Chapter 17.57) establishes fence and wall height limits based on yard location. In front yards adjacent to streets, view-obscuring fences (solid wood, masonry, vinyl) are limited to a maximum of 42 inches. Non-view-obscuring fences such as pipe or open rail fencing may be up to 48 inches in front yard areas. These lower front-yard limits are designed to maintain neighborhood aesthetics and ensure visibility for traffic safety, particularly important on the many curved residential streets throughout Valencia, Saugus, and Canyon Country.

In interior side and rear yards, standard garden walls or fences are permitted up to 6 feet in height without special approval. Fences between 6 and 15 feet require Director approval from the Community Development Department and must be set back at least 5 feet from property lines. Any fence or wall exceeding 15 feet requires an adjustment permit under Section 17.24.100 of the Unified Development Code.

Corner lots are subject to additional visibility requirements to maintain clear sight lines for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Property owners should consult the city's Planning Division before installing fences on corner lots. The city also regulates fences in flood hazard areas, where structures including fences of any height may be restricted in areas subject to flood hazard, overflow, or special debris hazards.