Fillmore Permit Requirements Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Fillmore's fence regulations reflect the city's blend of residential neighborhoods and surrounding agricultural land in the Santa Clara River Valley. The Zoning Code (Title 16) establishes maximum fence heights based on yard location and zoning district, while the Building Code (Title 15) — adopting the California Building Code by reference — determines when a building permit is required based on the structural characteristics of the fence or wall. For most residential fence projects in Fillmore, such as a standard 6-foot wood privacy fence in a side or rear yard, no building permit is needed from the Community Development Department. However, the fence must still conform to all zoning height limits and required setbacks from streets, driveways, and property lines before construction begins. Property owners should verify compliance before building, as fences found to violate the Zoning Code may be subject to a notice of violation and required modification or removal at the owner's expense.

Masonry construction triggers more stringent permit requirements in Fillmore. Concrete block, brick, stone, and stucco-clad block walls that exceed 3.5 feet in exposed height — measured from the lowest adjacent finished grade — require a building permit accompanied by engineered structural drawings stamped by a California-licensed structural engineer or civil engineer. These engineered plans must demonstrate adequate footing depth, steel reinforcement, and lateral bracing appropriate for Ventura County's high seismic design category. Any fence or wall of any material — including wood, vinyl, wrought iron, or masonry — that exceeds 6 feet in total height requires a full building permit. Total height is measured from the lowest adjacent finished grade, so a fence installed atop a retaining wall or on sloped terrain may trigger the permit requirement even if the fence structure itself is under 6 feet.

Fillmore's agricultural zoning districts (A-E zones) provide additional flexibility for property owners who need fencing for livestock containment or crop protection. Agricultural wire fencing, post-and-rail fencing, and similar utilitarian fence types used for bona fide agricultural purposes do not require a building permit provided they do not exceed 6 feet in height and are not masonry construction. However, decorative or privacy fencing on agricultural parcels is subject to the same permit rules as residential zones. Barbed wire is permitted on agricultural parcels but is prohibited in residential zoning districts. Property owners near the boundary between agricultural and residential zones should consult the Community Development Department to confirm which standards apply to their specific parcel.

Sight-distance triangles at intersections and driveway approaches must remain unobstructed in accordance with Fillmore's street improvement standards. Fences within these triangles may be limited to 30 inches in height to preserve driver visibility. The Community Development Department can provide a determination on whether a proposed fence location falls within a sight-distance triangle. For all permit questions, contact Fillmore Community Development at (805) 524-1500 ext. 230.