Visalia, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (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?
Are wood, chain link, vinyl, and masonry fences allowed?
What kind of wall is required between commercial and residential properties?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Visalia
California rules heatmap·Compare Visalia to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.