Santa Maria, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Santa Maria adopts the California Residential Code via SMMC Chapter 9-08 and the California Building Code via Chapter 9-04. Under CRC §R105.2, work exempt from a building permit includes 'fences not over 7 feet high.' Practically that means a standard wood, vinyl or chain-link residential fence up to 7 feet does not require a separate building permit, although it still must comply with the zoning height limits in Chapter 12-27 (3 ft front, 6 ft side/rear). Masonry walls, retaining walls more than 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and walls supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids do require a building permit. Electric fences are separately regulated by SMMC Chapter 9-04: no electric fence shall be installed or used until a permit has been applied for and obtained from the Community Development Department. Permit applications are filed through the City's Building Division. The Planning Division reviews any zoning compliance issues — including the corner-cutback triangles and front-yard wall setback — prior to or alongside building-permit issuance.