San Luis Obispo County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum required height
- 6 feet
- General height cap
- 6 ft 6 in
- Max with property-line buildable
- 12 feet
- Gatepost height
- Up to 14 ft 6 in
- Inland code
- Section 22.10.080
- Coastal code
- Section 23.04.190
Summary
In unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, required fencing and screening must be at least 6 feet tall. Fences generally cannot exceed 6 feet 6 inches in height, except that fences up to 12 feet may be built only on property lines where a building could also be built, and decorative gateposts may rise to 14 feet 6 inches.
Unless otherwise specified, fencing and screening shall be a minimum height of six feet ... The 6 foot 6 inch height limitation does not apply to vegetation growing on an interior side or rear property line or within an interior side or rear setback. Fences up to 12 feet in height may only be constructed on a property line where a building may be constructed on a property line.
Full Breakdown
Section 22.10.080 of the Inland Land Use Ordinance (Title 22) sets the height framework for fences in unincorporated areas. Required fencing or screening must be a minimum of 6 feet tall unless otherwise specified, and the Review Authority may limit fencing to a maximum height of 6 feet 6 inches as part of permit approval. The 6 ft 6 in cap does not apply to vegetation growing on an interior side or rear property line or within an interior side or rear setback. Fences taller than the 6 ft 6 in cap (up to 12 feet) are allowed only on property lines where a building could be sited directly on that line. Gateposts and other superstructures over site entrances and exits may reach 14 feet 6 inches measured to the bottom of the structure, with the top no more than 2 additional feet above. Section 23.04.190 applies the same framework in the Coastal Zone.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining a fence above the applicable height limit without an approved Minor Use Permit or other modification is a zoning violation under Title 22. Code enforcement can require removal, reduction in height, or after-the-fact permitting; continuing violations are punishable under the County Code's general penalty provisions and may be abated as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an 8-foot privacy fence in my backyard?
Does the 6 ft 6 in height limit apply to hedges and vegetation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Luis Obispo County
How San Luis Obispo County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare San Luis Obispo County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.