Santa Barbara, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Guidelines scope
- Set height/location, defer material/color/style
- Single-family front yard
- SFDB review over 3.5 ft (SBMC 22.69.020.C.8)
- Duplex/multi-family
- Architectural Board of Review (SBMC 22.68.020.B)
- Historic districts
- HLC approval (SBMC 22.22.130)
- No flat citywide ban list
- Materials governed by applicable design guidelines
Summary
The Fence Guidelines set height and location but defer the exact material, color, width and style to design-review boards. Front-yard fences, walls and gates over 3.5 feet go to the Single Family Design Board; duplex and multi-family fences go to the Architectural Board of Review; historic-district fences require Historic Landmarks Commission approval.
The Fences, Screens, Walls and Hedges Guidelines primarily address the allowed location and height of fences, screens, walls and hedges. The exact material, color, width and style of any of those elements may be subject to other guidelines (e.g., Single Family Design Board General Design Guidelines and Meeting Procedures), as applicable. ... 8. The construction, alteration or addition of a wall fence or gate in the front yard of the lot that is greater than three and one-half feet (3 1/2') in height.
Full Breakdown
The City of Santa Barbara's Fence, Screen, Wall and Hedge Guidelines focus on the allowed location and height of fences, screens, walls and hedges, and expressly state that the exact material, color, width and style may be subject to other guidelines, such as the Single Family Residence Design Guidelines. Material and aesthetic review is handled through the City's design-review boards. 7, a retaining wall six feet or greater in height is also referred to that board. B refers building permits for exterior work (including fences and walls) to the Architectural Board of Review.
D requires HLC approval to place, alter or remove visible natural features and landscaping. Because the City defers specific material rules to these boards, there is no single citywide list of banned fence materials; restrictions depend on the applicable design guidelines and district.
Violations & Fines
Installing a fence with materials, color or design not approved through the required design-review process, or skipping review entirely, is a violation. The City can require design review, deny or revoke permits, and order changes or removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Santa Barbara restrict what my fence is made of?
Who reviews the appearance of my fence?
Are there stricter rules in historic districts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Barbara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Barbara to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Barbara County handle material restrictions.