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

The City of Ojai's Zoning Ordinance establishes the regulatory framework for fence and wall construction across all zoning districts within the city limits. Ojai is a small artistic and resort community of approximately 7,600 residents situated in the Ojai Valley and surrounded by Los Padres National Forest, and the city's land-use policies place significant emphasis on preserving the town's rural character, scenic mountain views, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. These values directly shape fence regulations: front yard fences are limited to 3 feet in most residential zones to maintain open sight lines and an uncluttered valley aesthetic, while side and rear yard fences may reach 6 feet to provide reasonable privacy on the larger lots typical of Ojai's semi-rural neighborhoods.

For most residential fence projects involving standard materials such as wood, vinyl, or chain-link that do not exceed 6 feet in a side or rear yard, no building permit is required from the Community Development Department. However, every fence must comply with Zoning Ordinance height, location, and material standards before construction begins. Masonry construction carries elevated permit requirements: concrete block, brick, stone, and stucco-over-masonry walls exceeding 3.5 feet in exposed height require a building permit accompanied by structural drawings stamped by a California-licensed structural engineer, verifying that footings and reinforcement meet seismic standards applicable to the Ventura County region. Any fence or wall exceeding 6 feet in total height — measured from the lowest adjacent finished grade — requires a full building permit regardless of material.

Ojai's General Plan and scenic preservation policies add a layer of review not found in many neighboring cities. Fences proposed within designated scenic corridors, along Ojai Avenue, or in areas visible from key viewpoints in the Ojai Valley may be subject to design review by the Community Development Department or the Planning Commission. The review evaluates whether the proposed fence material, color, and height are compatible with the town's rural and artistic character. Wire mesh, industrial chain-link without slats, and brightly colored materials are discouraged in scenic areas. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to contact the Community Development Department at (805) 646-5581 before beginning any fence project to confirm permit requirements, height limits for their specific zone, and whether design review applies to their parcel.

Barbed wire and electrically charged fencing are prohibited on residential properties within the Ojai city limits. Sight-distance triangles at street intersections and driveway approaches must be maintained per City Engineer standards, and fences within these triangles may be required to be no taller than 30 inches or constructed of open materials that do not obstruct driver visibility.