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

The County of Santa Barbara's fence rule, LUDC Section 35.30.070, is framed around height, location and permits, and treats walls, gates and gateposts as part of the definition of "fence." The published LUDC text does not impose a general countywide prohibition on specific fence materials such as barbed wire, electrified fencing or chain link; those are not listed as banned in the Fences and Walls section. Material and appearance controls instead arise mainly through design and overlay review. In scenic-corridor, hillside and ridgeline provisions, retaining walls and related structures shall be colored and textured (for example with earth tones and split faces) to match the surrounding landscape, and the visible portion of a retaining wall above finished grade shall not exceed six feet. Where a project is subject to the Board of Architectural Review or a community plan (such as Summerland, Toro Canyon, Montecito or coastal areas), fence and wall materials, colors and finishes may be conditioned to protect visual character. In the Coastal Zone, fences must also avoid harming scenic views from beaches, parklands and public roadways. Because material limits often come from an overlay, design review, or a community plan rather than a single list, confirm any applicable appearance standards with Santa Barbara County Planning & Development for your specific parcel.