Typical residential fences in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County do not require a planning or building permit. However, fences that must be constructed per the Uniform/California Building Code (e.g., taller walls, pool/spa enclosures, masonry walls) do require a building permit, and discretionary approval is needed to exceed standard height or modify material requirements.
The County of San Luis Obispo Planning & Building Department states that 'Typically a fence does not require a permit,' but homeowners must comply with the fencing and screening standards in Section 22.10.080 (Inland) or Section 23.04.190 (Coastal). Section 22.10.080 provides that 'Any of the requirements may be waived or modified through Minor Use Permit approval, provided the Director finds that specifically identified characteristics of the site or site vicinity would make required fencing or screening unnecessary or ineffective.' Fences must be constructed consistent with the Uniform/California Building Code requirements. A building permit is required for any fence or wall the Building Code itself regulates, including masonry walls and pool enclosures. Yard areas with private swimming pools must be fenced in compliance with the California Building Code (CBC Section 3109) and Health & Safety Code Section 115923, requiring a non-removable enclosure at least 60 inches high. Special review applies in coastal wetlands, bluffs, beaches, or near creeks - contact the Planning Department for guidance.
Constructing a fence or wall that requires a building permit without one is enforceable as a Building Code violation; the County can issue stop-work orders, require after-the-fact permits (often with double fees), and assess penalties. Exceeding the 6 ft 6 in / 12 ft height limits without a Minor Use Permit, or installing non-conforming materials adjacent to a residential category, is a zoning violation subject to County Code general penalty and nuisance abatement.
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