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

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Building Permit trigger: Any fence over 7 feet
Zoning permit (no Building Permit): Up to 7 ft (or 8 ft with lattice) in allowed locations
CUP for extra height: Minor Director Conditional Use Permit, Section 20-30.060.D
Temporary construction fences: Exempt (Section 20-30.060.F) if Building Code compliant
Permit portal: Permit Santa Rosa (online)

Summary

Santa Rosa requires a Building Permit for any fence exceeding 7 feet in height. A 6-foot fence with 2 feet of lattice (8 feet total) is allowed by right without a zoning permit in interior side, rear, or out-of-setback locations, but the 7-foot Building Permit threshold still applies. Heights beyond the Table 3-1 limits also require a Minor Director Conditional Use Permit (not available in a vision triangle).

Note (2): A six-foot fence with two feet of lattice is allowed by right in an interior side or rear yard setback, and outside of a required front or street side setback (see Figure 3-5); provided that any fence exceeding seven feet in height requires a Building Permit. F. Temporary fences - Exceptions. Nothing in this Zoning Code shall be deemed to prohibit the erection of a temporary fence around construction works in compliance with the Building Code and other applicable provisions of the City Code.

Source: Santa Rosa Building DivisionView official code

Full Breakdown

2 soil class. D - the review authority must find the permit reasonably necessary, that the fence will not create a safety hazard, that its appearance is compatible with the neighborhood, that it is a planned architectural feature, properly oriented, and of sound construction. This CUP option is not available within a required vision triangle. F provided they comply with the Building Code.

Violations & Fines

Building a fence over 7 feet without a Building Permit, or exceeding Table 3-1 heights without a Minor Director CUP, is enforceable by Code Enforcement via stop-work order, administrative citation, and required removal. Submitting Building Permit applications for fences that interfere with Fire Department access or create traffic hazards will be denied under Section 20-30.060(E).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a 6-foot wood fence in my Santa Rosa backyard?

No zoning or building permit is required for a 6-foot fence (or a 6-foot fence with up to 2 feet of lattice) in your interior side or rear yard outside the front/street-side setback. Permits are only required if the fence exceeds 7 feet total or if you wish to exceed the standard Table 3-1 height limits.

What permit do I need for an 8-foot solid fence in Santa Rosa?

An 8-foot solid fence in a residential setback requires both a Minor Director Conditional Use Permit (to exceed Table 3-1 height limits) and a Building Permit (because the fence is over 7 feet). The Conditional Use Permit application is processed by the Planning Division.

Are temporary construction fences exempt from permits?

Yes. Section 20-30.060.F states that 'nothing in this Zoning Code shall be deemed to prohibit the erection of a temporary fence around construction works in compliance with the Building Code and other applicable provisions of the City Code.'

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Santa Rosa

Height LimitsFew Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSome Restrictions Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Neighbor Fence RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingLight Restrictions Business Licensing & Operations: Massage EstablishmentsSignificant Restrictions Privacy & Surveillance: Doorbell Camera DisclosuresSome Restrictions Short-Term Rentals: Noise RulesSome Restrictions

All Santa Rosa rules

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