Fences and walls in Pismo Beach: the local rules

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

What Pismo Beach's code says

Pismo Beach code What Pismo Beach's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot	No more than 6 feet high. Applies: Outside a front or street side setback. § 17.24.060 · code text Six feet when located outside of a front or street side setback. No more than 6 feet high, unless the Director approves more. Applies: Each individual retaining wall. § 17.24.060 · code text Individual retaining walls shall not exceed a height of six feet unless otherwise approved by the Director.
Front yard height	No more than 42 inches high. Applies: Within a front setback or street side setback. § 17.24.060 · code text Forty-two inches when located within a front setback or street side setback; No more than 42 inches high. Applies: Solid fences, hedges or walls in any front yard. § 17.102.120 · code text No solid fences, hedges or walls over forty-two inches in height shall be permitted in any front yard, or in the side yard or the street side of a corner lot. No more than 42 inches high. Applies: Hedges in a front yard setback. § 17.24.060 · code text Hedges within a front yard setback shall be limited to a height of forty-two inches.
Side and rear yard height	Up to 6 feet high from existing grade. Applies: Required rear yards and interior side yards. § 17.102.120 · code text Fences, hedges and walls up to six feet in height from existing grade on the lot may be permitted within all required rear yards and interior side yards. No more than 42 inches high. Applies: Solid fences, hedges or walls on the street side of a corner lot. Interior side yards allow 6 feet. § 17.102.120 · code text No solid fences, hedges or walls over forty-two inches in height shall be permitted in any front yard, or in the side yard or the street side of a corner lot.
Permit	Yes. Site plan and architectural review is required, except for lower fences and walls. Applies: Exempt: up to 42 inches in a front or street side setback, or 6 feet outside them. Blufftop fences have special rules. § 17.24.060 · code text Fences and walls require site plan and architectural review (Section 17.42.030), except where exempted from land use permit requirements by subsection B, below. Yes. A coastal development permit is required. Applies: Fences in required bluff setback areas. § 17.102.120 · code text Fences located in required bluff setback areas shall not exceed forty-two inches in height and shall secure a coastal development permit.

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Pismo Beach?

Fences, hedges and walls are limited to 42 inches in front and street side setbacks and 6 feet in rear and interior side yards.

Fences and walls in Pismo Beach

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What Pismo Beach's code says

Who this affects

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