Permit Requirements: Daly City vs Redwood City
How do permit requirements rules compare between Daly City, CA and Redwood City, CA?
Daly City has fewer restrictions than Redwood City.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Daly City does not require a building permit to build a fence 6 feet tall or less. Permits come into play only for front-yard approval, encroachment permits in the right-of-way, and retaining walls over 48 inches or supporting a surcharge.
View full Daly City rules →Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Fences in Redwood City that comply with height limits typically do not require a building permit. However, fences over 7 feet, retaining walls, or fences with footings may require a permit from the Building Division.
View full Redwood City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | Redwood City |
|---|---|---|
| Fence 6 ft or under | No building permit required | - |
| Front-yard fences | City approval required for visibility/utility clearances | - |
| Right-of-way/easement | Encroachment permit may be required (Engineering, (650) 991-8064) | - |
| Retaining wall over 48 in. or surcharged | Building permit + licensed engineer design required | - |
| Building Division | (650) 991-8061 | - |
| Standard Fences | - | No permit needed within height limits |
| Over 7 Feet | - | Building permit required |
| Masonry/Wall Fences | - | May need permit |
| Contact | - | Building Division (650) 780-7350 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace my backyard fence in Daly City?
No. The City's Fences and Retaining Walls handout states that constructing or installing a fence 6 feet high or less does not require a building permit.
Who do I call before building a fence near the street?
Contact the Engineering Division at (650) 991-8064 about clearances, encroachment permits, easements, and right-of-way issues, and the Planning Division at (650) 991-8033 for general fence questions.
Does a retaining wall need a permit?
Yes, if it is taller than 48 inches, or shorter but supporting a surcharge or excavated uphill slope. It must be designed by a licensed professional engineer and construction documents must be submitted for structural review.
Redwood City FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Redwood City?
Fences in Redwood City that comply with height limits typically do not require a building permit. However, fences over 7 feet, retaining walls, or fences with footings may require a permit from the Building Division.
How much does a fence permit cost in Redwood City?
Standard Fences: No permit needed within height limits. Over 7 Feet: Building permit required. Masonry/Wall Fences: May need permit. Contact: Building Division (650) 780-7350.
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