Fences and freestanding masonry walls under 6 feet that comply with the County Zoning Ordinance do not require building permits in unincorporated San Diego County. Fences over 6 feet and retaining walls over 4 feet require permits.
San Diego County exempts fences and freestanding masonry walls under 6 feet from building permits, provided they comply with zoning setback and height requirements. Front yard fences in residential zones are typically limited to 3-4 feet within setback areas. Fences exceeding 6 feet require a building permit and may need engineering review. Retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) also require permits and engineering. Pool barrier fences must be at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates per the California Building Code. In wildfire-prone areas, fencing materials may be subject to fire-resistant requirements. The permit application requires a site plan showing fence location, height, and materials. Online applications are available through the county's permit portal.
Fences over 6 feet without permits or non-compliant pool barriers face code enforcement action including violation notices and potential fines.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how Bonsall's fence permits rules stack up against other locations.
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