Fence Regulations in Santa Clara, CA (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Santa Clara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Santa Clara caps fences, walls and hedges at 3 feet in the required front setback and in the street-side setback along a corner lot, and at 6 feet everywhere else on the parcel, with up to one additional foot of open lattice on top. Corner lots also carry a 3-foot cap inside the visibility triangle.
Santa Clara Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, Zoning Code § 18.34.040 (Maximum Heights), Table 3-1
A. Maximum Height Standards. Except as otherwise provided by this Chapter, the maximum height of fences, walls, and screening in yard areas shall be consistent with Table 3-1 (Maximum Height of Fences, Screens, Walls, Hedges and Shrubbery in Setback Areas) and Section 18.30.030 (Sight-Distance Triangle). For maximum allowable fence height see Figure 3-4 (Allowable Fence Height). Required front ...
Fence Permit Requirements
Santa Clara requires Architectural Review under Chapter 18.120 for any new fence, wall, hedge or screen unless it qualifies for the residential exemption. Fences on R1-6L, R1-8L or R2 zoned lots skip that review only if they meet the height and measurement standards of Section 18.34.030; every other zone, and any noncompliant residential fence, must go through review first.
Santa Clara Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, Zoning Code § 18.34.020 (Permit Requirements and Exemptions)
A. Site Plan Design Review Required. Unless otherwise exempt below, Architectural Review (Chapter 18.120) is required for new fences, walls, hedges, and screens. B. Exemptions for Residential Fences, Walls, and Screens. Any fences, walls, and screens located on R1-6L, R1-8L, and R2 parcels constructed in compliance with the requirements of Section 18.34.030 are exempt from Architectural Review ...
Neighbor Fence Rules
Santa Clara follows California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presuming equal shared responsibility between adjoining owners for boundary fence construction and maintenance.
Santa Clara Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act)
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
Santa Clara limits retaining walls to three feet in height under Title 18 Zoning Code § 18.34.040(B), with a six-foot fence and one foot of lattice allowed on top. Where the grade differential between properties exceeds four feet, a taller wall is permitted only with Community Development Director approval. Most new fences and walls also need Architectural Review under § 18.34.020 unless built to the code's residential exemption standards.
Santa Clara Retaining Wall Height Limits
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, Zoning Code (Title 18) § 18.34.040(B)
Retaining Walls. Retaining walls are limited to three feet in height with a six-foot fence above, and one additional foot of lattice. Properties with a grade differential of greater than four feet, a taller retaining wall is permissible, subject to Director approval.
Material Restrictions
Santa Clara's Title 18 Zoning Code bans barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing on every parcel in the city under § 18.34.060(D), along with grease coatings and broken glass or other sharp materials worked into a fence or wall. The only exception is an approved monitored perimeter security fence system under § 18.34.060(E), and even that option is limited to Light and Heavy Industrial zoned property.
Santa Clara Barbed and Electric Fence Ban
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, Zoning Code (Title 18) § 18.34.060(D)
Prohibited Fence, Wall, and Screen Materials. The following materials and fence types are prohibited: 1. Barbed Wire 2. Razor Wire 3. Electrified fences, with the exception of monitored perimeter security fence systems, as described in Section E below 4. Use of grease 5. Broken glass or other sharp materials
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clara city rules.
Fence Regulations in Santa Clara County →