Monterey County does not generally restrict fence materials in residential districts, but the threshold at which a building permit is required varies by material - heavier masonry triggers a permit at a lower height than lightweight wood or open metal fencing.
The County of Monterey Building Services Division administers the California Building Code (CBC) and California Residential Code (CRC) as adopted by Monterey County Code Title 18. Building Services has published guidance that no building permit is required for concrete and masonry fences not over 6 feet, wood, vinyl and metal fences not more than 8 feet, and open metal fences not over 10 feet. This material-based threshold reflects the structural and seismic engineering concerns associated with heavier solid-masonry construction. Materials are otherwise not restricted in standard residential districts, but barbed wire and electrified fences are typically limited to agricultural districts, and design review may apply in Coastal Zone, Historic Resource, and Design Control (-D) overlay districts under Title 20 and Title 21. Zoning-based height caps still apply regardless of which materials are used; meeting the building-permit exemption does not waive the zoning fence-height limits.
Installing a masonry fence over six feet, a wood/vinyl/metal fence over eight feet, or open metal fence over ten feet without a building permit is a violation of County Code Title 18 (Building Regulations). Penalties include double permit fees, stop-work orders, mandatory engineering review, and code enforcement action. Property in a -D Design Control or Coastal overlay may also require Administrative Permit approval.
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