Building permits are generally not required for fences under 6 feet tall in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. Cities such as San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Atascadero, or Paso Robles may require a permit, reports Fencing 101’s Paso Robles fencing contractor.
The best thing to do, if you are building a fence yourself, is to contact the appropriate building department and ask. If you are working with a contractor, they may be able to help you get the permits. The fence contracting team from Fencing 101 often helps clients through the permitting process.
General fence regulations
These summaries are general. Be sure to check with the appropriate building department before starting your project.
- Fences in rear and side yards are typically limited to 6 feet in height.
- Setback requirements and material restrictions may also apply.
- When a fence is placed on top of retaining walls or a raised mound, the wall or mound is included in the fence height and may need a permit.
- Fences situated near street corners or driveways have sight distance requirements so that drivers and pedestrians can see oncoming traffic.
- Typically, materials such as wood, vinyl, and wrought iron don’t need a permit.
- Fences in coastal zones, on a coastal wetland, bluff, or beach may require a permit.
- If a creek runs through or near the property, setbacks from the creek may apply.
Fencing 101’s fencing contractor has experience with the City of Paso Robles, other cities, and SLO County.
Zoning ordinances and HOA rules
Zoning ordinances depend on where you are installing the fence. San Luis Obispo County generally has two zones, the Inland Area Ordinance and the Coastal Zone Ordinance, each with different restrictions. Your city may have other zoning requirements, such as residential or industrial.
HOAS may enforce stricter rules than a city or the county. Read your CC&Rs. If the HOA is responsible for maintaining fences, you may request repairs or a new fence if needed. If you are responsible for maintaining fences, there may still be some restrictions.
Who to contact
Here is a list of the building department websites for San Luis Obispo County and the various incorporated cities:
- San Luis Obispo County
- Arroyo Grande
- Atascadero
- Grover Beach
- Morro Bay
- Paso Robles
- Pismo Beach
- San Luis Obispo
Trusted, local, all-in-one fencing solutions
Fencing 101 has been providing professional fence contracting services since 2022, representing a collective 25 years of knowledgeable, professional fence construction. The team’s complete fencing solutions include decorative, livestock, industrial security, and driveway gates, and more. Fencing 101’s store, located in Paso Robles, provides professional-level fencing supplies for every need, from the first-time do-it-yourself fence builder to professionals.
The experience and local knowledge that the Paso Robles fence contractor brings to fencing projects include:
- Knowledge of local terrain, weather patterns, and environmental factors that can affect fence stability, and protective paint and finishes.
- Familiarity with local building codes, especially for fence heights and materials.
- Assistance with obtaining building permits if necessary.
- Close associations with homeowners and real estate professionals to build the best fence for curb appeal.
- Construction practices that minimize the destructive habits of some kinds of livestock.
- The best fence materials for the fence’s use.