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Carpinteria · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in Carpinteria

City rule: in single-family districts, fences are limited to 3 feet in the front yard setback and 6 feet in side and rear setbacks.

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Key points

  • Fence height: City rule: in single-family districts, fences are limited to 3 feet in the front yard setback and 6 feet in side and rear setbacks.

Each rule below links to the section of the Carpinteria Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Carpinteria's code says

Carpinteria code What Carpinteria's code adds
Front yard height
  • Fences can be at most 3 feet tall.
    Applies: In the required front yard setback in single-family districts. A taller fence needs community development department approval.
    § 14.50.050 · code text
    Fences of three feet or less in height located in the required front yard setback;
  • Solid fences or walls can be at most 3 feet tall.
    Applies: In a front yard setback in the PRD district.
    § 14.14.120 · code text
    No solid fence or wall located in a front yard setback shall exceed a height of three feet;
  • A fence or wall up to 6 feet tall may be allowed.
    Applies: In the front yard setback in the PRD district, subject to the city's general fence rules.
    § 14.14.120 · code text
    a fence or wall not to exceed six feet in height may be permitted in the front, side, or rear yard setback subject to the provisions of Sections 14.50.050 and 14.50.060.
Side and rear yard height
  • Fences can be at most 6 feet tall.
    Applies: In required side and rear yard setbacks in single-family districts. A taller fence needs community development department approval.
    § 14.50.050 · code text
    Fences of six feet or less in height may be located in the required side and rear yard setback.
  • A fence or wall up to 6 feet tall may be allowed.
    Applies: In the side or rear yard setback in the PRD district, subject to the city's general fence rules.
    § 14.14.120 · code text
    a fence or wall not to exceed six feet in height may be permitted in the front, side, or rear yard setback subject to the provisions of Sections 14.50.050 and 14.50.060.
Permit
  • Yes. A building permit is required.
    Applies: For retaining walls that need footings.
    § 14.50.050 · code text
    Retaining walls requiring footings shall require a building permit and shall be consistent with all provisions of this chapter.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Carpinteria?

City rule: in single-family districts, fences are limited to 3 feet in the front yard setback and 6 feet in side and rear setbacks.

General information, not legal advice.

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