In unincorporated San Diego County, fences under 6 feet generally do not require a building permit per County Code Section 91.1.105.2. Fences over 6 feet, retaining wall-fence combinations, and fences in special areas (wildfire zones, scenic corridors) require permits.
County Code Section 91.1.105.2 exempts fences not over 6 feet in height from building permit requirements. However, permits are required for: fences over 6 feet, fences combined with retaining walls where the total height exceeds 6 feet, fences in scenic highway corridors, fences in wildfire zones that must meet fire-resistive standards, and fences that require grading. The County Department of Planning & Development Services processes fence permits. A site plan showing the fence location, height, and materials is typically required. Zoning compliance verification ensures the fence meets setback and height requirements for the zone.
Building a fence that requires a permit without obtaining one may result in stop-work orders, required removal, fines, and retroactive permit fees.
Bonsall, CA
Bonsall is an unincorporated community in San Diego County, so noise is governed by County Code Title 3, Division 4, Chapter 4 (Sec. 36.401-36.435) rather th...
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code Chapter 6 (Animal Control) and the noise ordinance address barking dogs. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors violate Secti...
San Diego County, CA
Vehicles on public streets in unincorporated San Diego County cannot be parked for more than 72 consecutive hours. A vehicle must be moved at least 0.5 miles...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County does not have a blanket overnight parking ban. The 72-hour parking rule applies. Some specific communities or HOAs may impose...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County enforces the 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 (adopted under County Code Title 9, Division 1) for smoke alarms. ...
San Diego County, CA
Tree trimming in unincorporated San Diego County is required for defensible space maintenance (branches pruned to 6 feet above ground), utility clearance, an...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle permit requirements.
See how Bonsall's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.