Fence Regulations in Cupertino, CA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Cupertino, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Cupertino caps most residential fences at 7 feet in the rear and interior side yards and 3 feet within the front-yard setback, corner triangle, or sidewalk sight triangle. Table 19.48.030 sets the height and location rules for properties that do not require Design Review, and Section 19.48.030(E) allows an 8-foot fence with a building permit and neighbor sign-off.
Cupertino Fence Height Limits by Yard
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 19.48.030
Table 19.48.030: ... Fence Location and Regulations 7 foot high fence 3 foot high fence A. Front Yard Not within required setback area, corner triangle, or sidewalk sight triangle. Along any property line, in any required setback area, corner triangle, or sidewalk sight triangle. B. Rear Yard Along property line or in required setback area, except not allowed in any corner triangle or sidewalk ...
Fence Permit Requirements
Cupertino requires Design Review approval for fences on nearly every zoning district except single-family (R1), hillside residential (RHS), duplex (R2), and small R3 properties. Section 19.48.020 also caps fence height at 10 feet everywhere in the city unless the Approval Body grants a Fence Exception under Section 19.48.070.
Cupertino Fence Design Review and Permits
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 19.48.020
Design Review shall be required for projects in all zoning districts except R1, RHS, R2, and R3 (with up to four units). The Approval Body for a proposed project shall have the authority to require, approve, or disapprove fencing plans including location, height, and materials. ... At no point shall fence height exceed 10 feet without a Fence Exception
Retaining Walls
Cupertino requires every retaining wall in the city to be engineered and approved by the Director of Public Works before a building permit issues. Walls over three feet trigger non-wood structural members, and walls over eight feet ban wood outright unless the City Council approves an exception.
Cupertino Retaining Wall Height Rules
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 16.08.200
Retaining Wall Construction. ... All retaining walls constructed within the city shall be subject to the following standards and restrictions and shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of the latest adopted Uniform Building Code and recognized soils engineering principles and shall be approved by the Director. ... Property Line Setback Material Restrictions. Any retaining wall whic...
Material Restrictions
Cupertino bans barbed wire, razor wire, chicken wire, similar small-gauge mesh, and electrified fencing on any residential, commercial, or industrial property, unless a law or regulation requires it. Section 19.48.040 also lists other prohibited materials, allowed alternatives, and a 60-or-less reflectivity cap for whatever material a homeowner chooses.
Cupertino Fence Prohibited Materials Rules
Significant RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 19.48.040
Prohibited Materials: The following materials shall be considered “Prohibited Materials” for purposes of this Chapter: Unless required by law or regulation of the City, State or Federal Government, barbed wire, razor wire, chicken wire and similar small-gauge wire or mesh product, and/or electrified fencing are prohibited. Fences made of non-engineered plastic, fabric membranes, cloth, canvas, ...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cupertino city rules.
Fence Regulations in Santa Clara County →