Kern County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed wire
- Prohibited in/along property lines in residential zones
- Buffer zone
- No barbed wire within 3 feet of lot lines
- Sharp wire/points
- Banned atop fences under 6 ft
- Electrified fences
- Prohibited except animal containment on RS lots >= 2.5 acres
- Code Section
- Kern County Code § 19.08.210
Summary
Kern County prohibits barbed wire and electrified fences in residential and Estate zones, with narrow exceptions: electrified fences are allowed only for animal containment on RS-combining-district lots of at least 2.5 acres. Sharp wire or points are also barred at the top of fences under 6 feet.
No barbed wire shall be used or maintained as part or on any fence, wall, or hedge located along the front, side, or rear lines of any lot, or within three (3) feet of such lines, and no sharp wire or points shall project at the top of any fence or wall less than six (6) feet in height. No electrified fences shall be permitted, regardless of location, except for purposes of animal containment on lots zoned with the residential suburban (RS) combining district and which contain a minimum lot size of two and one-half (2-1/2) acres.
Full Breakdown
Per Kern County Code § 19.08.210, in the E (1/4), E (1/2), E (1), E (2-1/2), R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts, no barbed wire shall be used or maintained as part of, or on, any fence, wall, or hedge located along the front, side, or rear lines of any lot, or within three (3) feet of such lines. No sharp wire or points may project at the top of any fence or wall less than six (6) feet in height. No electrified fences are permitted regardless of location, except for purposes of animal containment on lots within the Residential Suburban (RS) combining district that contain a minimum lot size of two and one-half (2-1/2) acres. Electrified gates/fences also require fire department approval per Kern County Fire Department standards.
Violations & Fines
Installing or maintaining a prohibited material (barbed wire, electrified fence) is a Title 19 violation enforceable under Chapter 19.114 as a misdemeanor: up to a $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail, with each day a separate offense. Code Compliance typically issues a notice of violation requiring removal within a stated deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I top my fence with razor wire or spikes for security?
When is an electrified fence allowed in Kern County?
Does this apply on agricultural property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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