Fence Regulations in San Mateo, CA (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for San Mateo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
San Mateo's fence height limits: front yard 3 ft solid or 4 ft if 75% open; side/rear max 6 ft (7 ft with permit). Fences over 7 ft require a building permit and SPAR exception. Code: SMMC Ch. 27.84.
City of San Mateo Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Fences up to 7 feet in San Mateo generally do not require a building permit if they comply with zoning regulations. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit and a SPAR Fence Exception planning application.
City of San Mateo Fence Permits
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Shared fence cost and responsibility between neighbors in San Mateo is governed by California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act). Disputes are civil matters. SMMC Ch. 27.84 governs fence height and location.
City of San Mateo Fence Neighbor Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Civil Code Sec. 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act — Shared Boundary Fence Costs)
841. (a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b) (1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, ...
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls in San Mateo under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) are generally exempt from building permits under the California Building Code. Walls over 4 feet require a building permit and may need engineered plans. San Mateo's hillside terrain makes retaining walls common.
San Mateo Retaining Wall Regulations
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Pool barriers in San Mateo must comply with the California Building Code (Title 24 Chapter 31) and the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Barriers must be at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature is required.
San Mateo Swimming Pool Barrier Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCA Health and Safety Code §§ 115921–115922 — Swimming Pool Safety Act
115921. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “Swimming pool” or “pool” means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. “Swimming pool” includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools. (b) “Public swimmi...
Material Restrictions
San Mateo regulates fences under Section 27.84.010 of the zoning code. The ordinance does not specify required materials but fences must not create safety hazards. Barbed wire is restricted to non-residential areas. Building permits are required for fences exceeding six feet.
San Mateo Fence Material Standards
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Mateo city rules.
Fence Regulations in San Mateo County →