Fence Regulations in San Francisco, CA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
San Francisco caps fences at 3 feet in the front setback, 6 feet in side and rear yards, and 10 feet only in the rear yard under Planning Code Sec. 136(c).
SF Fence Height Limits by Yard
Some RestrictionsSan Francisco Planning Code Sec. 136(c)(17)-(19)
(17) Fences no more than three feet in height above grade; (18) Fences and wind screens no more than six feet in height above grade; (19) Fences and wind screens no more than 10 feet in height above grade;
Fence Permit Requirements
San Francisco exempts fences up to 6 feet at rear and side lot lines, and up to 3 feet anywhere else on the lot, from a building permit. Taller fences need a permit under Building Code Section 106A.2.
San Francisco Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Building Code § 106A.2
A building permit shall not be required for the following: ... 2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high located at the rear and side lot lines at the rear of the property, and all fences not over 3 feet (914.4 mm) in height.
Retaining Walls
San Francisco requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet tall, measured footing to top, or one that holds back a surcharge or liquids.
SF Retaining Wall Permit Height Threshold
Some RestrictionsSan Francisco Building Code § 106A.2, item 5
5. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
Material Restrictions
San Francisco's Building Code bars barbed-wire fencing citywide unless the Building Official and Fire Department grant written permission for narrow hazard-protection uses like guarding a dangerous area atop a tall fence.
San Francisco Barbed Wire Fence Ban
Heavy RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Building Code § 456.1
Fences constructed wholly or in part of barbed wire are prohibited, except when permitted with the express written permission of the Building Official, and the Fire Department in the following situations: 1. On top of a fence more than 7 feet (2.134 m) high, protecting a dangerous or hazardous area. 2. Within a private area, enclosed by a seven-foot-high (2.134 m) fence, such that entry to the ...