Selma, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

SMC 11-20-14 establishes the comprehensive height standards for all fences, walls, and hedges within the City of Selma, and these standards vary depending on the location of the fence relative to the required setback areas of the property. The fundamental rule allows six-foot high fences, walls, and shrubs anywhere on a residential property except within the required front yard setback area. The front yard is defined by the zoning district's required front setback, which is the area between the front property line and the building line. Within this front yard area, the maximum height depends on the type of fence. Open fences, which include designs where the view through the fence is substantially unobstructed such as wrought iron, picket fences with spacing, and similar transparent designs, may be up to 48 inches (4 feet) in height. Solid fences and walls, which block the view through them such as solid wood privacy fences, masonry block walls, and solid vinyl panels, are limited to 42 inches (3.5 feet). This differentiation reflects the city's interest in maintaining street visibility and open neighborhood character while still allowing property owners some degree of front yard enclosure. Shrubs and hedges that function as fences are subject to the same height restrictions as constructed fences, meaning a front yard hedge cannot grow taller than 48 inches without being subject to enforcement. The height measurement is taken from the grade level at the base of the fence to the top of the fence, wall, or hedge. The gate provision is noteworthy because it means that a six-foot fence in the side yard cannot have a gate that exceeds six feet, and a front yard fence gate is limited to the same 42 or 48 inch maximum as the fence itself. The driveway visibility setback is one of the most practically significant provisions in the fence code. When a private driveway accesses a public street through the side yard of a property, all fences and shrubs over 42 inches in height must be set back at least ten feet from the street-side property line. This setback creates a clear sight triangle that allows drivers entering or exiting the driveway to see oncoming pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles on the street before committing to the maneuver. This requirement applies regardless of whether the fence is in the front, side, or rear yard, as long as it is within the ten-foot zone adjacent to a side-yard driveway approach. Corner lot properties face additional visibility considerations, with fences near intersections limited to heights that do not obstruct the sight triangle needed for safe traffic movements. The 2024 Zoning Code Update introduced provisions allowing screening walls up to 15 feet for the purpose of concealing outdoor storage of RVs, boats, and equipment, and accessory structures associated with such storage are limited to 16 feet. These taller screening provisions are subject to the overall development standards and do not override the general residential fence height limits.