Santa Cruz County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Unlike some cities, the unincorporated County's fence code (SCCC 13.10.525) does not publish a blanket list of banned materials such as barbed wire or electric fencing for standard residential fences; it focuses on height, location, and sight distance. Material does matter for permitting: per the County's Building FAQ, concrete or masonry fences need a building permit when over 6 feet, while wood and metal fences need one over 8 feet. The code does specify materials for agricultural fencing: permanent agricultural fencing up to 6 feet qualifies for streamlined treatment only if it is wire spaced at least 1 inch apart (typical field fencing) supported by wood or metal posts, or horizontally oriented wooden members spaced at least 8 inches apart (typical wooden corral fencing). Temporary agricultural fencing may be solid (woven material or fabric) on wood or metal stakes. Open decorative features such as lattice may exceed the maximum height by up to 6 inches, and 'open' means no more than 50 percent of the feature is opaque. In the Coastal Zone, all fence development requires a coastal development permit unless exempt under SCCC 13.20.060 or 13.20.070, and visual/scenic findings can affect approval of over-height fences.