Santa Barbara County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

The County of Santa Barbara regulates fences in the unincorporated area through Land Use & Development Code (LUDC) Section 35.30.070 (Fences and Walls). "Fence" includes fences, walls, gates, gateposts and similar structures. Height is measured as the vertical distance from natural grade at the base of the lower side of the fence to the top edge of the fence material. The LUDC does not set one flat height number; instead Table 3-1 (non-agricultural zones) lists what is exempt from a planning permit: within a required front setback, a fence 6 ft or less (gatepost 8 ft or less); within side and rear setbacks, a fence 8 ft or less (gatepost 10 ft or less); within an interior-lot setback 20 ft or less from a street right-of-way, 6 ft or less; more than 20 ft from a right-of-way, 8 ft or less; outside a required setback, 8 ft or less. Fences exceeding these thresholds require a Minor Conditional Use Permit (or, outside setbacks, a Land Use/Coastal Development Permit). In no case may a fence exceed the height limit for the applicable zone. On a corner lot, a fence must also meet vision-clearance limits under Section 35.30.090. Coastal-zone fences have extra exemption conditions. Always confirm your zone and setback lines with Planning & Development.