Los Banos, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

608 only imposes a setback on "structures and fences and walls exceeding three (3′) feet in height," a fence at or under that height needs no zoning approval, and a taller fence built outside the required setback area also needs none. A homeowner who wants a taller fence inside the setback, most often in the front yard or on a reverse corner lot's street side, must apply for a variance under Article 23, Part 5. 2327 states that a variance may be granted only where strict application of the Code creates a genuine hardship tied to the specific parcel, such as an unusual shape, and cautions that variances "are not granted in mass" and cannot be used to correct a self-induced problem or confer a privilege the applicant's neighbors do not share.

2328 requires the application to be heard at a noticed public hearing, after which the Planning Commission grants the variance by resolution, with or without conditions, or denies it. 2329 requires the Commission to find that special circumstances deprive the property of privileges enjoyed by similarly zoned neighbors, that the relief will not create a special privilege inconsistent with the neighborhood, that it will not authorize a use not otherwise allowed in the zone, and that it will not conflict with public safety, health, welfare or the general plan.

A denied or conditioned variance can be appealed to the Community and Economic Development Director within 10 days of the decision under Article 23, Part 6, then to the Planning Commission and finally the City Council, each with its own 30-day hearing-scheduling window.