Permit Required?
Sometimes Required
Typical Fee Range
$150–$450
Fences up to 6 feet are exempt. Permitted fences over 6 feet require building fees based on valuation plus inspection and historic review if applicable.
Fee Method
Valuation-based
What's Required in San Diego
- Building permit required for fences and free-standing walls over 6 feet high
- Historic review mandatory if the structure is 45 years or older
- Fences over 3 feet tall in front yard setbacks or 'visibility areas' near driveways are restricted
- Swimming pool barriers must be at least 5 feet tall and have specific latching
- A site plan showing property lines and fence location is required for permitted fences
- Fences in the Coastal Overlay Zone may require additional discretionary review
How to Get a Fence Permit in San Diego
1
Step 1: Check Age & Zone
Determine if your house is 45+ years old or in a historic/coastal zone using the SD Zoned maps.
2
Step 2: Digital Plan Prep
Create a site plan and construction details if the fence is over 6 feet or in a restricted zone.
3
Step 3: OpenDSD Submission
Upload documents to the OpenDSD portal under 'Building Construction - General'.
4
Step 4: Fee Payment
Pay plan check and administrative fees once the city invoices the project via the portal.
5
Step 5: Inspection
Schedule a final inspection through OpenDSD after construction is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
No building permit is required for fences up to 6 feet tall, unless the property is historically designated.
For fences over 6 feet, fees start around $150–$300 for basic review and inspections.
Simple fence permits take approximately 5–10 business days, depending on workload and historic review needs.