San Clemente, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Front/street-side max with permit
- 6 ft via Minor Exception Permit
- Rear-yard recreation enclosure max
- over 6 ft via CUP
- Minor Exception Permit section
- SCMC § 17.16.090
- Conditional Use Permit section
- SCMC § 17.16.060
- Governing fence section
- SCMC § 17.24.090(C)(2)
Summary
Raising a San Clemente fence, wall or hedge above the standard limit takes a discretionary permit. A Minor Exception Permit covers a front or street-side yard fence raised to 6 feet, while a Conditional Use Permit is required in the rear half of a lot for enclosures over 6 feet around tennis courts or similar private recreation areas.
2.Exceptions.a.A Minor Exception Permit is required to allow the height of a fence, wall or hedge in front yards and street side yard setback areas (within five feet of property line) to be increased to a maximum of six feet per Section 17.16.080, Minor Exception Permits.b.A Conditional Use Permit is required to allow the height of a fence, wall, or hedge in the rear half of a lot to exceed six feet when the fence, wall, or hedge encloses tennis courts, other similar recreational areas, or private screened outdoor areas, per Section 17.16.060, Conditional Use Permits.c.Required Findings. In addition to the general findings required for permits, the following specific findings shall be made to allow height exceptions for fences, walls, or hedges:i.The height of the fence, wall or hedge will not be unsightly or incompatible with the character of or uses in the neighborhood;ii.The height of the fence, wall, or hedge will not have negative visual impacts upon the street scene or obstruct views of traffic to and from driveways.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Traffic: Supplement 30 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
090(C)(2) sets two separate permit paths for exceeding the residential fence height table. 090. 060. Either application must satisfy the general findings required for that permit type plus two fence-specific findings: the taller fence, wall or hedge cannot be unsightly or incompatible with the character or uses of the neighborhood, and it cannot create negative visual impacts on the street scene or block views of traffic entering and leaving driveways. 12 development review process, including public notice and the standard appeal path to the next review authority. Without one of these permits, a fence over the base table height in these areas is unauthorized construction regardless of the materials used.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining an oversized fence without the required Minor Exception Permit or Conditional Use Permit is a Municipal Code violation. Section 1.16.010 makes most code violations misdemeanors, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in county jail, or infractions carrying escalating $100, $200 and $500 fines for repeat offenses within a year; each day the fence remains up is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a 6-foot fence in my San Clemente front yard?
Can I build a fence over 6 feet around my backyard tennis court?
What findings does the City require to approve a taller fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Clemente
California rules heatmap·Compare San Clemente to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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How other cities in Orange County handle fence permit requirements.