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

Under LUDC Section 35.30.070, fence permit requirements depend on location and height. In non-agricultural zones (Table 3-1), fences are exempt from a planning permit when 6 ft or less within a front setback or 8 ft or less within side/rear setbacks; fences exceeding those heights require a Minor Conditional Use Permit, while fences over 8 ft outside a required setback require a Coastal Development or Land Use Permit. In agricultural zones (Table 3-2), exceeding the same thresholds requires a Land Use or Coastal Development Permit. Within the Coastal Zone, a fence is exempt only if it is not located within or adjacent to a wetland, beach, environmentally sensitive habitat, or within 50 feet of a coastal bluff, does not adversely affect public beach/trail access, and does not significantly harm scenic views; otherwise a Coastal Development Permit under Section 35.82.050 is required. A retaining wall (retaining earth only) not over four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top is exempt from a Coastal Development or Land Use Permit unless near a coastal bluff, beach, or sensitive habitat. Separately, the California Residential Code requires a building permit for fences over 7 feet and for retaining walls over 4 feet. Apply through Santa Barbara County Planning & Development.