Santa Rosa, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed wire - residential abutments
- Minor CUP required
- Barbed wire - allowed without CUP
- Agricultural, open space, industrial only
- WUI non-combustible zone
- First 5 ft of fence touching dwelling (3 ft if sprinklered)
- Wood post material
- Redwood or pressure-treated Douglas fir #2+
- Code sections
- SRCC 20-30.060(G), 18-22 R337.10.3.4
Summary
Santa Rosa City Code Section 20-30.060.G prohibits barbed wire fencing in residential, commercial, and other non-agricultural areas, allowing it only in agricultural, open space, or industrial areas. Barbed wire abutting residential uses requires a Minor Conditional Use Permit. In Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas, fences attached to dwellings or accessory structures must use non-combustible materials for the first 5 feet (or 3 feet if sprinklered).
G. Barbed wire. Barbed wire fencing shall not be constructed or placed over a fence except in agricultural, open space, or industrial areas. Minor Conditional Use Permit approval shall be required for barbed wire fencing abutting residential uses. E. Fire hazards. The Building Official shall not grant a building permit for any fence that will interfere with access in case of fire by the Fire Department to buildings in the vicinity, or that will constitute a hazard to vehicle traffic or pedestrians.
Full Breakdown
G states: 'Barbed wire fencing shall not be constructed or placed over a fence except in agricultural, open space, or industrial areas. 4 (referencing California Residential Code amendments), requiring 'new, altered, or added fences connected to dwellings or accessory structures in Wildland Urban Interface fire areas (WUI) to construct the attachment and first five feet of the fence with noncombustible materials' (with the requirement reduced to three feet if the building is sprinklered). '
Violations & Fines
Installing barbed wire in residential or commercial zones without a Minor Conditional Use Permit, or installing a combustible fence in a designated WUI area, is a Zoning Code and Building Code violation. Code Enforcement may require removal of non-conforming materials and may issue administrative citations or refer the matter for misdemeanor prosecution under City Code Chapter 1-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I top my Santa Rosa residential fence with barbed wire?
Do I have to use special materials for a fence touching my house in a fire-hazard area?
Are there other prohibited fence materials in Santa Rosa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle material restrictions.