Fence Requirements: Fremont vs Oakland
How do fence requirements rules compare between Fremont, CA and Oakland, CA?
Fremont and Oakland have similar restriction levels.
Fremont, CA
Alameda County
Fremont fence rules combine FMC Chapter 18 zoning with Chapter 15 building code, plus Fire Code rules in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
View full Fremont rules →Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Oakland fences must meet Planning Code §17.120 standards: 6 feet max in side/rear yards, 3 feet in front yards (4 feet if 50% open), no barbed wire or electric in residential zones, and must preserve sight triangles at corners and driveways.
View full Oakland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fremont | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning | FMC Chapter 18 | - |
| Building | FMC Chapter 15 | - |
| VHFHSZ | Non-combustible 5 ft | - |
| Corner Triangle | 3 ft within 15 ft | - |
| HOA | Often stricter | - |
| Side/Rear Max | - | 6 ft without permit |
| Front Yard | - | 3 ft solid / 4 ft 50% open |
| Sight Triangle | - | 15 ft at corner intersections |
| Commercial Max | - | 8 ft |
| Code | - | Planning Code §17.120.030 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fremont FAQ
Are wood fences allowed in the foothills?
Yes, but in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, fencing within 5 feet of a structure must be non-combustible material.
Who do I call with a fence question?
Start with Fremont Planning at 510-494-4455 for zoning questions or Building at 510-494-4460 for permit questions.
Oakland FAQ
Can I put a fence on the property line in Oakland?
Yes, you may build directly on the property line with your neighbor's cooperation. A boundary survey is strongly recommended, and Civil Code §841 governs cost-sharing.
Are there height rules for corner lot fences in Oakland?
Yes. Fences near street corners must preserve a 15-foot sight-visibility triangle and typically cannot exceed 3 feet in that area to protect traffic visibility.
Compare other topics
See how Fremont and Oakland compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool