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

In unincorporated Santa Cruz County, fences can trigger two distinct approvals. First, the County's 'When is a Building Permit NOT Required?' page states a building permit is not required for wood and metal fences not over 8 feet high or concrete/masonry fences not over 6 feet high — fences taller than those thresholds need a building permit. Second, under zoning code SCCC 13.10.525, fences exceeding the maximum heights allowed in a required yard need an over-height fence certification: heights up to 8 feet may be approved with a Minor Site Development Permit upon the Planning Director making the findings required by SCCC 18.10.230(A), while heights greater than 8 feet require an Administrative Site Development Permit. In the Coastal Zone, all fence and retaining-wall development requires a coastal development permit unless exempt under SCCC 13.20.060 or 13.20.070. Agricultural fencing exceeding 6 feet requires an over-height certification (capped at 8 feet) and over 8 feet an Administrative Site Development Permit. Requirements depend on zoning, location relative to the Urban/Rural Services Line, and sight-clearance triangles, so the County advises checking with Planning before construction.