Neighbor Fence Rules: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do neighbor fence rules 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
Boundary fences between Daly City neighbors are governed primarily by California Civil Code 841 (the Good Neighbor Fence Act), which presumes both adjoining owners share equally in fence costs and requires 30 days' written notice before starting work. Daly City does not override this state framework.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
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.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Primary statute | Cal. Civ. Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) | - |
| Cost sharing presumption | Equal between adjoining owners | - |
| Notice required | 30 days' written notice | - |
| Spite fence cap | 10 feet (Cal. Civ. Code 841.4) | - |
| Local mediation | Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center (San Mateo County) | - |
| Cost Sharing | - | Equal (CA Civil Code §841) |
| Prior Notice | - | 30 days written notice |
| Sight Triangle | - | 3–7 ft height range must be clear at intersections |
| Code | - | CA Civil Code §841; SMMC §27.84.050 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can my Daly City neighbor force me to pay half of a new fence?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 841, the presumption is yes - if the neighbor gives proper 30-day written notice meeting the statute's content requirements. You can rebut the presumption in court by showing disproportionate benefit, hardship, or unreasonableness of the project.
Who do I call about a fence on my property line in Daly City?
Boundary disputes are civil matters - hire a licensed surveyor and consult a real-estate attorney. Daly City code enforcement (650-991-8033) only intervenes when a separate zoning violation (excess height, prohibited material) exists.
San Mateo FAQ
Who pays for a fence between neighbors in San Mateo?
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.
What are the rules about shared fences in San Mateo?
Cost Sharing: Equal (CA Civil Code §841). Prior Notice: 30 days written notice. Sight Triangle: 3–7 ft height range must be clear at intersections. Code: CA Civil Code §841; SMMC §27.84.050.
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