The regulations for fences, walls, and hedges apply to all zones. For development in an SP (Specific Plan) Zone or subject to a planned development permit issued in compliance with Chapter 17.620 (Planned Development Permits), the height, location, and design of fences, walls, and hedges may be determined by the specific plan development standards or the conditions of the planned development permit, as applicable. For specific plans without fence, wall and hedge standards, the Director shall determine the appropriate standards based on the comparable type and scope of development.
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
The location and height of fences, walls, and hedges shall be determined by the setback area for the zone in which the property is located as indicated in Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards). Table 3-4 (Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges) indicates the allowed location and height of fences, walls, and hedges subject to the required setback area(s) of the applicable zone. See Figure 3-11 (Types of Fencing) and Figure 3-12 (Fence, Wall, and Hedge Location and Height).
Table 3-4
Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges
Front Yard Setback Areas
Fences and Walls — Maximum Height
Hedges — Maximum Height
RE and RR Zones
4 ft. open or solid fencing (additional 2 ft open may be constructed on top for overall height of 6 ft.)
4-ft
RL, RM, RH, RVH Zones
4 ft. open or solid fencing
All other Zones
4 ft. open or solid fencing*
6-ft
Interior side yards, street side yards, rear yards, and all other areas not listed herein. (fences, walls and hedges that extend into the front yard area shall be reduced per the above limits)
Industrial Zones
8-ft open or solid fencing*
8-ft
All other Zones
6-ft open or solid fencing*
* Specific uses may require different heights as listed within other section of this code or as approved and conditioned as part of a use or development permit (i.e., SPDR, CUP, etc.).
Notes:
(1)
If a fence or wall is located in a required street side setback area, the fence or wall shall not extend any closer than 20 feet to the front lot line or as allowed by Section 17.305.150 (Traffic Visibility Area), whichever is most restrictive.
(2)
Side yard return fences shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the front of the structure. Where the five-foot setback conflicts with a door or window opening, the Director shall determine the appropriate setback.
Figure 3-11
Types of Fencing
Figure 3-12
Typical Fence, Wall, and Hedge Location and Height (RL Zone)
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
A. 
Irregularly shaped lots. For flag lots and other irregularly shaped parcels where the fence location is not consistent with the required setback area for the zone in which the property is located, the Director may allow a modification to the fence location at the Director's discretion.
B. 
Screening. The height of fences and walls that are intended to screen loading areas in nonresidential zones from the view from residential zones shall be determined by a line-of-sight study prepared in compliance with Section 17.330.120 (Off-Street Loading Design and Development Standards).
C. 
Retaining walls. See Section 17.315.050 (Retaining Walls).
D. 
Estate lot or environmental sensitive areas. For parcels exceeding 10,000 square feet, on hillside development, or in environmentally sensitive areas (as determined by the appropriate CEQA evaluation), the location, type and height of fencing can be modified by the Director with the approval of a wall and fence plan concurrent with the site plan and design review application.
E. 
In-fill parcels. Parcels designated by the Director as in-fill may be exempted from the maximum fence and height requirements, fence placement and locations requirements, and fence types (solid vs open) with the approval of a wall and fence plan, which may be processed concurrent with, or as a condition of a site plan and design review application, or use permit in the following circumstances:
1. 
Institutional uses within residential zones.
2. 
Commercial uses that are not open to the general public.
3. 
Truck parking lots and outdoor storage uses.
F. 
Use specific development standards. In instances where a higher fence is required by the applicable development standards for a specific land use, the use specific standards shall apply.
G. 
Mitigation. In the event a fence or wall is required to be increased in height as part of a project specific noise, sound, or fugitive dust mitigation measure, the approval authority may increase the height of the fence or wall by up to two feet without a variance.
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
A. 
Flat elevation. Fence height shall be measured as the vertical distance between the highest finished grade of the ground abutting the fence and the top edge of the fence material. Adjacent grades shall not be artificially elevated in order to allow for a fence or wall that is higher than the allowable maximum height.
B. 
Sloping elevation or with retaining walls. For fences on sloping ground or on retaining walls, solid fence height of six feet may be allowed as measured from the up-slope property so long as a total height, inclusive of any retaining wall, does not exceed 10 feet as measured from the down-slope property. See Figure 3-13 (Maximum Height of Combined Fence and Retaining Wall).
Figure 3-13
Maximum Height of Combined Fence and Retaining Wall
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
A. 
Stepped retaining walls. Slopes are discouraged. An embankment to be retained that is over 48 inches in height shall be stepped so that no individual exposed retaining wall exceeds 48 inches in height, and each intervening step is a minimum width of 36 inches. See Figure 3-14 (Stepped Retaining Walls).
Figure 3-14
Stepped Retaining Walls
B. 
Retaining walls in required front setback area. Retaining walls not exceeding 48 inches in total height may be allowed in a required front setback area, provided that the coverage does not exceed 5% of the required front setback area. On corner lots, retaining walls shall not be located within the traffic visibility area identified in Section 17.305.150 (Traffic Visibility Area).
C. 
Retaining walls on hillsides. For parcels that are located on hillsides, the location and height standards for retaining walls may be modified in compliance with Section 17.305.070 (Hillside Development).
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
A. 
Temporary security fences. Temporary security fences may be erected around construction sites as follows:
1. 
During the time a valid building permit is in effect for construction.
2. 
During the time an entitlement application is under review by the Department.
3. 
To secure previously developed sites that have been abandoned by a tenant, damaged, or destroyed.
A temporary use permit is not required and the fences do not have to comply with the location requirements of Table 3-4, except that a traffic safety visibility area shall be maintained in compliance with Section 17.305.150 (Traffic Visibility Area). Temporary security fences shall be immediately removed upon completion of the construction authorized by the building permit.
B. 
Fencing for tennis courts. When located in a rear or side yard, but outside the rear or side yard setback area, up to 12 feet of fence height may be allowed for tennis courts. When located within the rear or side yard setback area, up to 12 feet of fence height may be allowed for tennis courts with the approval of a minor use permit in compliance with Chapter 17.605 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Use Permits).
C. 
Swimming pools. A swimming pool, hot tub, spa, or the entire property on which any of these are located shall be walled or fenced to prevent uncontrolled access in compliance with the California Building Code.
D. 
Separation of uses required. Fences and walls shall be required to separate residential from nonresidential uses.
E. 
Residential subdivisions. Residential subdivisions shall provide solid decorative masonry walls as follows:
1. 
Along the exterior perimeter of the tract. View fences may be approved by the Director as appropriate per an approved wall and fence plan.
2. 
Along street side yards.
3. 
As return walls from street side for corner lots.
4. 
Modifications. The Director may modify any of these standards based on topography, compatibility or architectural design of the community or adjacent development with approval of a wall and fence plan.
F. 
Vacant lots. Fencing on vacant parcels shall be allowed in accordance with this chapter and subject to the approval of a fence and wall plan. The Director may modify standards for fences on vacant lots based topography, compatibility or architectural design of the community or adjacent developments. The City Engineer shall review and approve the placement of fences to ensure compliance with this requirement.
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
A. 
Materials in all zones.
1. 
When in areas where not normally allowed. Fences and walls that are authorized in an area where they are normally prohibited shall be constructed of brick, concrete, decorative masonry, wrought-iron, or any other similar materials acceptable to the Director.
2. 
When for purpose of separating land uses or zones. Fences and walls that separate different land uses or zones shall be constructed only of decorative masonry.
3. 
Gates. Gates in fences and walls shall be wrought iron, vinyl, or any other similar materials acceptable to the Director. Only pedestrian gates (three feet wide, no vehicle access or gates, etc.) are permitted on street side return area for corner lots.
4. 
Prohibited materials.
a. 
Barbed, razor wire or a similar type wire shall not be used as any part of a fence except where approved by the Director for use in conjunction with an industrial or agricultural use. Barbed, razor wire or similar type wire when permitted by the Director not be placed where it will be visible from any facing street or right-of-way.
b. 
Electrified fencing. The use of electrified fencing or wires in conjunction with any fence, wall, roof, hedge, or by itself along the property lines of a parcel within any land use zoning district is prohibited unless required by the law or a regulation of the City, the county, the state, federal government, agency, or as a condition of approval. The fencing may be allowed within the interior of a parcel if buffered from other properties by a separate barrier.
c. 
Chain link that contains slats or is covered in tarps or other materials, except for temporary construction screening purposes with a valid building permit.
5. 
Compatibility with existing theme. Where a fence and wall type or theme exists in a development, fences and walls that are replaced or repaired shall be consistent with the existing fence and wall type or theme as determined by the Director.
6. 
Alternative materials. The Director may approve alternative fence and wall materials, if the Director finds a need for the alternative fence and wall materials due to special security or inventory display considerations.
7. 
Wood. Wood fences, where allowed, shall comply with the following specifications:
a. 
Materials.
i. 
All wood shall be pressure treated Douglas Fir or equivalent.
ii. 
Minimum size vertical fence board shall be one inch by six inches.
iii. 
Exposed wood surfaces shall be painted with two coats of exterior grade paint or oil base stain, color to be neutral to match that of stucco or the structure's exterior.
b. 
Construction.
i. 
Wood fences shall be supported by a two-and-one-half-inch diameter tubular steel post (adjacent to gate post shall be three inches) set eight feet on centers in an eighteen-inch by ten-inch concrete post footing. The steel posts shall not be visible from any public right(s)-of-way.
ii. 
Top and bottom rails shall be provided on both sides of the fence to attach the one-inch by six-inch vertical fence boards.
iii. 
A six-inch by six-inch base bolted to the support post shall be provided.
iv. 
A two-inch by six-inch cap extending the length of the fence shall be affixed to the top support rails.
v. 
Hinges, brackets, and bolts (3/8 inch minimum) shall be galvanized and where exposed shall be painted to match the color of the fence.
8. 
Decorative masonry. For the purposes of this section, decorative masonry shall consist of split face block, brick, or stucco finished CMU block. Precision block is generally not decorative unless incorporated into a split face design (i.e. 25% precision block in a decorative layout/design with 75% split face). Slump stone is generally not decorative. Decorative caps may include precision block capstones. Decorative masonry shall be to the satisfaction of the Director.
B. 
Materials in residential zones. In addition to the standards in Subsection A (Materials in all zones), the following standards shall apply:
1. 
Visible from public right-of-way. Fences and walls that are visible from a public right-of-way as follows:
a. 
Street side. On the street side, including street side yard returns, shall be constructed of solid decorative materials (e.g., brick, concrete, masonry, stucco, etc.) acceptable to the Director. Wood is prohibited, except when used as a decorative element in conjunction with a wrought iron fence.
b. 
Side yard. Interior side yard return (i.e., running from house to house) shall be constructed of solid decorative materials, vinyl, wrought iron, or any other similar materials acceptable to the Director. Wood is prohibited, except when used as a decorative element in conjunction with a wrought iron fence.
c. 
Front yard. Within the front setback area shall be constructed of block, wrought iron, combination block and wrought iron, "picket," or "split rail" materials acceptable to the Director. Any "picket" and "split rail" shall be continuously maintained so as to appear in a "new" condition. Walls shall have decorative capping.
2. 
Not visible from public right-of-way. Fences and walls that are not visible from a public right-of-way may be constructed of wood or other approved material.
3. 
Chain-link. Chain-link shall only be permitted in areas where the predominate material is existing chain-link, such as infill developments or replacement of existing chain-link fences, with approval of the Director.
C. 
Materials in nonresidential zones. In addition to the standards in Subsection A (Materials applicable in all zones), the following standards shall apply:
1. 
Located within the front building setback area or between the building and right-of-way. Fences and walls that are located within the front building setback area or between the building and the public right-of-way shall be constructed of masonry, decorative block, brick, wrought iron, tube steel, or other material acceptable to the Director.
2. 
Other areas. Fences and walls that are not located within the front building setback area, or between the building and right-of-way, may be constructed of masonry, block, brick, vinyl, wrought iron, tube steel or other approved material acceptable to the Director.
3. 
Prohibited. Wood fences shall be prohibited. Chain-link fences shall be prohibited except when fully screened from the public right-of-way.
D. 
Materials in mixed-use zones. For projects located in the mixed-use zones, the residential components shall comply with Subsection B (Materials in residential zones) above and the nonresidential components shall comply with Subsection C (Materials in nonresidential zones) above, as approved by a wall and fence plan acceptable to the Director.
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
Any person proposing to modify or replace an existing wall or fence constructed shall comply with the following:
1. 
Replacement or modification of a nonconforming wall or fence shall not increase the degree of nonconformity including, but not limited to, placement, height, or materials. Replacement material shall conform to the standards of this section to the satisfaction of the Director.
2. 
Replacement or modification of conforming walls or fences shall be replaced or modified in conformance with the standards of this sections.
3. 
Replacement or modification of walls or fences in reverse frontage or street side, shall be uniform for the block in which it is located to the satisfaction of the Director.
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
A. 
Department review and approval required.
1. 
Any person proposing to install a new wall or fence or replace or repair an existing wall or fence shall submit copies of the plans and details to the Director for review and approval. The submittal package shall include a plot plan drawn to scale, reflecting lot lines, adjacent public rights-of-way, driveways and existing buildings and structures. A dimensional detail of the proposed fence or wall shall also be provided reflecting the proposed materials and proposed height from existing and finished grade.
2. 
The Director shall approve the proposed fence or wall only if it is found to be in compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter. Replacement walls and fences shall meet current standards.
B. 
Building permit required. A fence or wall shall be installed or constructed only following the issuance of a building permit.
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)