San Diego, CA Privacy & Surveillance: Privacy Screening (2026)

San Diego Municipal Code §142.0360 and the city's development regulations govern fence construction. Standard privacy fences (solid wood, vinyl, composite) up to 6 feet are permitted in side and rear yards without a building permit in most zones. In visibility areas (front yards, corner lots near intersections), fences cannot exceed 3 feet to maintain traffic sight lines per SDMC §113.0273. Open-style fences (wrought iron, chain-link) may be allowed up to 6 feet in front yards in some zones. Fences exceeding 6 feet require a building permit. In some circumstances, rear and side yard fences may be permitted up to 8 feet with proper approvals. Masonry or concrete block walls follow the same height limits but require a building permit regardless of height due to structural requirements. Fences within 5 feet of a building may require fire-rated construction per §92.1.712A. Pool barrier fences must meet California Building Code Chapter 31 requirements (minimum 60 inches). Property owners should verify their specific zone's fence regulations through the Development Services Department.