Material Restrictions: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do material restrictions rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Daly City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County zoning allows wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain-link fencing subject to zoning-district and Design Review requirements. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential districts. Fences in the Coastal Zone require a Coastal Development Permit if they impair public views or scenic corridors. Design Review (DR) district overlays, common in Emerald Hills and coastal neighborhoods, impose additional material and color limits.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
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.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed | Wood, vinyl, masonry, iron | - |
| Prohibited | Barbed/razor wire residential | - |
| Coastal Zone | CDP may be required | - |
| Design Review | DR overlay restricts materials | - |
| Materials | - | Not specified — most common types OK |
| Barbed Wire | - | Residential prohibited |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 6 feet — building permit |
| 6-8 ft Range | - | 50% open above 6 ft required |
| Code Reference | - | SMMC §27.84.010 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can I install a chain-link fence in my front yard in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Chain-link up to 4 feet is technically allowed in most residential front setbacks, but if your property is in a DR (Design Review) combining district or the Coastal Zone, chain-link in prominent areas will likely be denied in favor of wood, masonry, or open-view wrought iron.
Is an electric fence legal on my unincorporated parcel?
Electric fences are limited to Agricultural (A) and Resource Management (RM) zoning districts for livestock containment. They are prohibited in R-1, R-2, and RH residential districts regardless of lot size.
San Mateo FAQ
What fence materials are allowed in San Mateo?
The code does not specify required materials. Wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain-link are commonly used. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones.
Can I use chain-link fencing?
Yes. Chain-link is permitted in side and rear yards in residential zones.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Fences over 6 feet require a building permit under Title 23, applied for by all abutting property owners. Standard fences under 6 feet generally do not need a permit.
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