Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Visalia, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Code Chapter
VMC Chapter 17.36
Residential Materials
Any generally acceptable material
Prohibited in R-A/R-1/R-M
Barbed wire, electric fences
Office-to-Residential Buffer
Concrete/masonry wall, 7 ft min
Commercial Open Storage Screen
Concrete/masonry wall, 6 ft min

Summary

Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 17.36 allows fences to be built of any generally acceptable material in residential zones, but barbed wire and electrically charged fences are specifically prohibited in R-A, R-1, and R-M zones. Commercial frontage fences and required buffer walls have additional material standards.

Fences may be constructed of any generally acceptable material except that barbed wire and electric charged fences are specifically prohibited in any Residential zone (R-A, R-1, or R-M).

Full Breakdown

36 (Fences, Walls and Hedges) regulates fence materials by zone. 040 (R-M), fences in residential zones may be constructed of any generally acceptable material, with the express prohibition that 'barbed wire and electric charged fences' are not permitted in any R-A, R-1, or R-M zone. 050), open storage of materials and equipment must be screened by a concrete block or masonry wall not less than six feet in height. 060), where a site in the O-PA, O-C, or BRP zone adjoins an R-A, R-1 or R-M residential zone, a concrete or masonry wall not less than seven feet in height must be located on the property line (except in a required front yard). 36 for residential lots and would generally require Building Official approval under Title 15.

Violations & Fines

Installing barbed wire or an electric fence on a residential lot is a zoning violation enforceable by Visalia Code Enforcement (559-713-4534). Typical remediation is removal of the non-compliant material. Failure to install required masonry buffer walls between commercial/office uses and adjacent residential zones can result in stop-work orders and may delay or block certificate of occupancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put up barbed wire or an electric fence in Visalia?
Not in residential zones. VMC Chapter 17.36 specifically prohibits barbed wire and electrically charged fences in any R-A (rural-residential), R-1 (single-family), or R-M (multi-family) zone.
Are wood, chain link, vinyl, and masonry fences allowed?
Yes. Visalia's zoning code allows 'any generally acceptable material' for residential fences within the applicable height limits, so wood, chain link, vinyl, stucco, and masonry are all permitted.
What kind of wall is required between commercial and residential properties?
Where an O-PA, O-C, or BRP office zone abuts an R-A, R-1, or R-M residential zone, VMC 17.36.060 requires a concrete or masonry wall not less than seven feet in height on the property line, except in a required front yard.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Visalia

All Visalia rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Visalia to another location·View the California fence regulations overview

Get notified when Material Restrictions in Visalia, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.