Santa Barbara County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Code basis
- LUDC Sec. 35.30.070 (height/location, not a banned-materials list)
- Barbed/chain link
- No general countywide ban in the Fences and Walls section
- Scenic/hillside walls
- Color & texture to match surroundings (earth tones, split faces)
- Visible wall height
- Above finished grade not over 6 ft in scenic/hillside areas
- Design review
- BAR / community plans may condition materials & finishes
- Coastal Zone
- Must not harm scenic views from beaches/roadways
Summary
Santa Barbara County's LUDC Section 35.30.070 regulates fences by height and location rather than by a general list of banned materials. It does not set a countywide ban on barbed wire or chain link. Scenic, hillside and coastal overlays, however, require retaining walls and fence-related structures to be colored and textured to blend with the surroundings.
A. Purpose. This Section provides regulations for the installation, construction, and placement of fences. For the purposes of this Section, the term 'fence' includes fences, walls, gates, gateposts, and other structures in the nature of a fence, except where any of these are specifically identified and separately regulated by this Section.
Full Breakdown
" The published LUDC text does not impose a general countywide prohibition on specific fence materials such as barbed wire, electrified fencing or chain link; those are not listed as banned in the Fences and Walls section. Material and appearance controls instead arise mainly through design and overlay review. In scenic-corridor, hillside and ridgeline provisions, retaining walls and related structures shall be colored and textured (for example with earth tones and split faces) to match the surrounding landscape, and the visible portion of a retaining wall above finished grade shall not exceed six feet.
Where a project is subject to the Board of Architectural Review or a community plan (such as Summerland, Toro Canyon, Montecito or coastal areas), fence and wall materials, colors and finishes may be conditioned to protect visual character. In the Coastal Zone, fences must also avoid harming scenic views from beaches, parklands and public roadways. Because material limits often come from an overlay, design review, or a community plan rather than a single list, confirm any applicable appearance standards with Santa Barbara County Planning & Development for your specific parcel.
Violations & Fines
Using fence or wall materials or finishes that violate an applicable design-review condition, scenic-corridor standard, hillside requirement, or coastal scenic-view protection can result in code enforcement, denial or revocation of approvals, and an order to modify or replace the non-conforming materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is barbed wire or chain link banned in unincorporated Santa Barbara County?
Are there appearance rules for walls in scenic areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Barbara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Barbara County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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