A fence or wall requires a building permit if it has the following characteristics:
- if the fence is constructed of concrete and masonry and is taller than 6 feet; or
- the fence is constructed of a material other than concrete and masonry and is 8 feet or taller.
Even if a fence or wall does not require a building permit, it may still require an over-height fence permit, coastal permit, or environmental permit (e.g., if it will be located in a sensitive habitat). In addition, if the property is served by an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (e.g., a septic system), the fence will need to comply with Environmental Health requirements.
The following applies to fences and walls requiring a building permit.
| Are Plans Required? |
Yes |
| Submitted Through |
ePlan Review
ePlan User Guide
How to Submit a Project in ePlan Overview |
| Required Forms |
See Prepare Your Application Package |
| Additional Requirements, as applicable |
- If the parcel is served by an OWTS (septic system), submit an Environmental Health Building Clearance.
- Concrete and masonry walls that are 6 feet or taller, require engineering.
|
| Minimum Plan Size |
- 18 x 24 inch minimum landscape format
- Other accepted sizes: 24 x 36, 30 x 42, and 36 x 48 inches
|
| If you need help or have questions |
|
| IMPORTANT NOTES |
- If the fence or wall is intended to demarcate a property line, we strongly recommend that you hire a licensed surveyor to survey your property.
|
| Additional Information & Resources: |
- Fences and walls that are located within a parcel's required setbacks must comply with the County Code's height limits. A summary of the zoning standards can be found in our Fences and Walls publication. If you need help finding your parcel's zoning and setbacks, guidance is available on our Zoning Information webpage.
- If the fence will be a pool barrier, please see the information on our Swimming Pool Permits webpage; scroll to the bottom of the page for barrier checklists and diagrams.
- For information on fencing for agricultural uses in agricultural zone districts, please see Santa Cruz County Code 13.10.525(D)5.
|