Height Limits: Berkeley vs Livermore
How do height limits rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Livermore, CA?
Berkeley and Livermore have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley limits fences to 6 feet in rear and side yards and 3.5 feet in front yards under BMC zoning, with hillside and view-corridor considerations in the Berkeley Hills.
View full Berkeley rules →Livermore, CA
Alameda County
Livermore allows 6-foot fences in rear/side yards and 3.5-foot fences in front yards per LMC zoning. Corner lots have visibility triangle restrictions.
View full Livermore rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Livermore |
|---|---|---|
| Rear and side max | 6 feet | - |
| Front yard max | 3.5 feet | - |
| Decorative top | Up to 2 extra feet if open | - |
| Corner visibility | Triangle restrictions | - |
| Variance | Required for taller | - |
| Rear/Side | - | 6 ft no permit |
| Front Yard | - | 3.5 ft max |
| Over 6 ft | - | Permit required |
| Corner Triangle | - | 3 ft max |
| Over 8 ft | - | PC approval |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I build an 8-foot privacy fence?
Only with a variance. Standard zoning caps privacy fencing at 6 feet in rear and side yards.
Do height limits apply to hedges?
Living hedges are generally not regulated by fence height rules but can be subject to spite fence or view obstruction claims.
Livermore FAQ
Can I build a 7-foot fence in Livermore?
Yes with a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require structural review but can be approved administratively up to 8 feet.
What counts as front yard?
Anywhere between the front property line and the front plane of your house is front yard, subject to the 3.5-foot limit.
Compare other topics
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