Electric Fences - Assembly Bill (AB) 2371
Updated: Mar. 5, 2025
Assembly Bill 2371 (AB 2371), effective September 14, 2024, allows property owners to bypass the Administrative Use Permit process and install an electrified security fence with the approval of a building permit, provided that certain eligibility criteria outlined in state law are met. For more information, refer to our AB 2371 Eligibility Checklist in the Handouts section. AB 2371 will remain in effect until January 1, 2028.
If you are unable to meet the AB 2371 eligibility requirements for streamlined ministerial review, the applicant must obtain approval for an Administrative Use Permit (AUP).
Submitting an Application:
- Step 1: Contact a City of Hayward Planner: Contact a planner by emailing planning.division@hayward-ca.gov or calling (510) 583-4216 to determine if the project site is eligible for the provisions of AB 2371 and application submittal materials. Please include the project address and a detailed description of your project.
- Register for an e-Permit Portal account: You must be a registered user of the Hayward e-Permit Portal before you can submit your application. Learn more about how to register on our e-Permit Portal help page.
- Apply for your Plan Type: Using the e-Permit Portal, apply for your Plan by completing the online application and attaching the required submittal materials. Learn more about how to apply for a Plan on our e-Permit Portal help page.
Required Submittal Materials:
This is where the summary information goes.
- E-Permits Application Name: "Fence" The submittal items below are required for electrified security fences. Please note additional submittal items may be required depending on the project scope.
- Construction Documents: Construction documents including a site plan, structural details, electrical single line diagrams and structural calculations (calculations are required for fences or gates over 7 feet tall). Plans shall be formatted on standard architectural sheets: 18” x 24” or 24” x 36”. All sheets in the set shall be the same size. Structural calculations, if required, can be submitted separately on 8.5” x 11”. All plans shall meet professional drafting standards.
- Assembly Bill 2371 Eligibility Checklist: A complete checklist (See AB 2371 Eligibility Checklist in Handouts)
- Owner Authorization Form: Only required if the applicant is not the property owner. (See Owner Authorization Form in Handouts)
Project Review:
Applicants will be notified by email or can login to the e-Permit Portal for updates on their application. Standard review times are available to view online via our E-Permit Portal.
Paying Fees:
A Plan Review Fee is due prior to project review. All other permits fees are due when the permits are ready for issuance. There is a detailed list of specific development fees on our Permit Center webpage. After submitting your application, staff will reach out with instructions to complete the required payment.
Plan - Requires Planning Director Approval: Submit online via e-Permits Portal
