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

The City of Santa Clarita has established a tiered permit system for fence construction. Most standard residential fences fall under the exempt category, meaning no building permit is required. Chain link or wire fences not exceeding 12 feet in height, and wood, vinyl, or open wrought iron fences not exceeding 6 feet in height, are generally exempt from building permits where allowed by the City's Planning Division. This exemption streamlines the process for homeowners installing standard boundary fences.

Block walls, masonry walls, and retaining walls have separate building permit requirements due to structural considerations. These require building plans and inspections to ensure compliance with the Santa Clarita Building Code (Title 18). The city's One-Stop Permit Center, located on the first floor of City Hall in Suite 140, handles all building permit applications.

For fences between 6 and 15 feet in height, the Director of Community Development has approval authority, but the fence must be set back at least 5 feet from property lines. Fences exceeding 15 feet require a formal adjustment permit under Section 17.24.100, which involves a more detailed review process. Most small fence projects can be processed through the city's over-the-counter (Class I) application process, which is typically free and approved the same day.