Santa Barbara County, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

LUDC § 35.30.070(C) and Tables 3-1 and 3-2 organize permit triggers by fence location. In non-agricultural zones (Table 3-1): exceeding the exempt height within a required setback requires a Minor Conditional Use Permit; exceeding the 8-ft cap outside any required setback requires a Coastal Development Permit or Land Use Permit. In agricultural zones (Table 3-2): exceeding the exempt heights triggers a Land Use or Coastal Development Permit rather than a CUP. Within the Coastal Zone, a fence is exempt only if it is (a) not within or adjacent to a wetland, beach, ESHA, or within 50 feet of a coastal bluff; (b) does not impair public beach or trail access; and (c) does not significantly impact scenic views (Table 3-1, note 1). If any of those conditions is unmet, a Coastal Development Permit under LUDC § 35.82.050 is required. Up to 10% of a fence's linear length may exceed the otherwise-exempt height if the review authority finds topographic or unavoidable conditions justify it (§ 35.30.070(C)(3)). Separately, the County building permit exemption tracks California Building Code § 105.2 as locally amended in Chapter 10 of the County Code: wood fences not over 8 feet high and other-material fences not over 6 feet high are exempt from a Building Permit, but a Planning Permit may still be required.