San Diego County, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Two separate approvals can apply to fences in unincorporated San Diego County: a zoning check (Section 6708 height limits) and a Building Division permit. Per County handout PDS-070 (Fences, Building Division, rev. 01/01/2023), a building permit is required for any fence except (1) fences and freestanding masonry walls not exceeding 6 feet in height that comply with the fencing and landscape regulations of the County Zoning Ordinance, and (2) open fences up to 8 feet in height where allowed by the Zoning Ordinance, provided the uppermost two feet consists only of barbed or razor wire and necessary support elements placed at an angle to the vertical for security. In other words, a standard residential fence at or below 6 feet that meets zoning generally needs no building permit, but taller walls and engineered masonry fences do. PDS-070 provides prescriptive construction standards for wood, chain-link, and masonry fences (for example, posts set in 12-inch-diameter concrete footings extending at least 24 inches into undisturbed ground; masonry footing and reinforcing tables in Table A). In designated Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, any portion of a fence within 5 feet of a building must be non-combustible or approved fire-retardant material meeting Section 707A of the County Building Code. Contact PDS Building Division at (858) 565-5920 and zoning at (858) 565-5981.