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

Port Hueneme Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning) establishes the height and location standards governing fences and walls throughout this small coastal city. These zoning standards work in conjunction with the California Building Code as locally adopted to determine when a separate building permit is required. For the majority of standard residential fence projects — a wood or vinyl privacy fence in a side or rear yard that does not exceed 6 feet in height — no building permit is required from the Building Division. However, the fence must still conform to all applicable Zoning Code height and setback standards before construction begins. Given Port Hueneme's compact lot sizes (many residential parcels are 5,000 to 6,000 square feet), fences are often installed close to or directly on property lines, making compliance with setback and height requirements particularly important.

Masonry construction triggers elevated permitting requirements. Concrete block, brick, stone, and stucco-over-block walls exceeding 3.5 feet in exposed height — measured from the lowest adjacent finished grade — require a building permit application accompanied by engineered structural drawings stamped by a California-licensed structural engineer. The engineering must demonstrate that footings and reinforcement comply with the seismic design category applicable to Port Hueneme's coastal Ventura County location. Any fence or wall of any material that exceeds 6 feet in height requires a full building permit regardless of construction material. Height is measured from the lowest adjacent finished grade, so a fence installed on top of a retaining wall or grade change may require a permit based on the combined height even if the fence structure itself measures under 6 feet.

Port Hueneme includes areas within the California Coastal Zone, and properties in this overlay area may face additional review requirements under the city's Local Coastal Program. Fences in the Coastal Zone that could obstruct public views of the ocean, beach, or harbor may be subject to design review or conditions requiring open or semi-transparent materials rather than solid walls. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrically charged fencing are prohibited on residential properties. Sight-triangle clearance at driveways and street intersections must be maintained per City Engineer standards. For pre-application guidance, contact the Port Hueneme Community Development Department at (805) 986-6530.

Because Port Hueneme borders Naval Base Ventura County, property owners along the base perimeter should also verify that proposed fences do not encroach on federal property or conflict with any easements associated with the military installation. The Community Development Department can assist with confirming boundary locations near the base.