Monterey County, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Masonry/Concrete Exempt
- No building permit if not over 6 ft
- Wood/Vinyl/Metal Exempt
- No building permit if not over 8 ft
- Open Metal Exempt
- No building permit if not over 10 ft
- Planning Permit
- May still be required by zoning
- Design Control District
- Design Approval application required
- Permit Center
- 1441 Schilling Place, Salinas; (831) 755-5025
Summary
Per the Monterey County Building & Planning Services FAQ, a building permit is NOT required for concrete/masonry fences not over 6 ft, wood/vinyl/metal fences not over 8 ft, and open metal fences not over 10 ft. A separate planning permit may still apply, and Design Control District parcels need Design Approval.
Permits are not required for concrete and masonry fences not over 6 feet high, wood, vinyl and metal fences not more than 8 feet high and open metal fences not over 10 feet high. However, zoning regulations may require you to obtain a planning permit.
Full Breakdown
The County FAQ separates two questions: does a fence need a building (construction) permit, and does it need a planning approval? On the building side, the FAQ states permits are not required for "concrete and masonry fences not over 6 feet high, wood, vinyl and metal fences not more than 8 feet high and open metal fences not over 10 feet high." Above those thresholds a construction permit is required. The FAQ stresses that even when no building permit is needed, "zoning regulations may require you to obtain a planning permit," so applicants should contact the Planning Department at the Permit Center first. Two zoning overlays commonly add review: parcels in a Design Control District require a Design Approval application, and parcels in a high archaeological sensitivity zone may need an archaeological report. Coastal Zone parcels may additionally require a Coastal Development Permit under Title 20. HCD Planning is at 1441 Schilling Place, Salinas, (831) 755-5025.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence above the building-permit-exempt heights without a permit, or skipping a required planning/Design Approval, is a code violation. HCD Code Compliance can require permits after the fact, modification, or removal, with civil penalties for continued non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a fence in unincorporated Monterey County?
Why might I still need approval for a short fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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