Ventura County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 8106-8.1.3 of the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance restricts certain fence materials in unincorporated Ventura County. Barbed wire, razor-edge wire, electrified security fencing, or similar security fencing is generally prohibited in urban residential zones and commercial zones, and in industrial zones adjacent to or across the street from urban residential zoned properties if such fencing would be visible from the residential properties. There is an exception: electrified security fencing is allowed in any zone provided the property is legally authorized for a commercial use that stores, parks, services, sells, or rents vehicles, vessels, equipment, materials, freight, or utility infrastructure within an outdoor lot or yard, and provided the secured area does not include residential or hospitality uses. Any electrified security fence must comply with California Civil Code section 835, and a Zoning Clearance is required for any electrified fence or any fence that includes electricity (Section 8106-8.1.2). These material restrictions are aimed at appearance and safety near residential areas; agricultural and rural zones (OS, AE, RA) generally have more latitude for materials such as wire field fencing. Fences required by another federal, state, or local law are exempt from these provisions under Section 8106-8.1.5.