Fences and walls in Salinas: the local rules

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

What Salinas's code says

Salinas code What Salinas's code adds
Corner visibility	Entryway arbors may not be in an area of unrestricted visibility. Applies: Entryway arbors in front or corner side yards. § 37-50.090 · code text No entryway arbor shall be located in an area of unrestricted visibility pursuant to Section 37-50.460: Driveway and corner visibility. A pedestrian gate may be taller than the front fence, up to 48 inches, only outside visibility areas. Applies: See-through pedestrian gates up to 5 feet wide in front or corner side yards. § 37-50.090 · code text if constructed of nonsight-obscuring material consistent with the fence or entryway arbor material and not located in an area of unrestricted visibility pursuant to Section 37-50.460: Driveway and corner visibility. 3 feet max within 10 feet of corner side line; 8 feet max when set back at least 10 feet. Applies: Required corner side yards in residential and agricultural districts; never in the corner visibility area; some decorative and noise-wall exceptions. § 37-50.090 · code text (i) Within ten feet of a corner side property line: three feet, or (ii) If setback a minimum of ten feet from the corner side yard property line: eight feet. Such a fence, wall, or hedge may extend along the corner side yard portion of the lot as well as the length of the house until the fence, wall, or hedge meets the required front yard setback. At no time shall such fence, wall, or hedge encroach into any area of unrestricted visibility as specified in Section 37-50.460: Driveway and corner visibility;
Front yard height	No more than 3 feet. Applies: Front yards in residential and agricultural districts. § 37-50.090 · code text (A) Front yards: three feet; No more than 3 feet high. Applies: Required front yards in residential and agricultural districts, measured from the top of the nearest curb; some decorative features may be taller. § 37-50.090 · code text Front yards: three feet;
Side and rear yard height	No more than 8 feet high. Applies: Required interior side or rear yards in residential and agricultural districts; approved noise mitigation may allow more height. § 37-50.090 · code text Interior side or rear yards: eight feet.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Salinas?

Fences in residential and agricultural front yards are limited to 3 feet, measured from the top of the nearest street curb. Interior side and rear fences are limited to 8 feet; in corner side yards, 3 feet within 10 feet of the line, otherwise 8.

Fences and walls in Salinas

Key points

What Salinas's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Salinas property

More on building on your lot in Salinas