Height Limits: Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do height limits rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than Palo Alto.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Fences in Mountain View are limited to 3 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards; anything taller requires a fence exception or design review approval.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Palo Alto limits fences to 6 feet in rear and side yards and 3 feet in front yards under PAMC 18.40.090, with sight-triangle rules at corners.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| Front yard max | 3 feet | - |
| Side and rear max | 6 feet | - |
| Corner visibility | 3 feet in triangle | - |
| Fence exception max | Up to 8 feet | - |
| Review for over 8 feet | Planning Commission | - |
| Side/rear max | - | 6 feet |
| Front solid max | - | 3 feet |
| Front open max | - | 4 feet |
| Corner triangle | - | 30 inches within 10 feet |
| Over 6 feet | - | Minor Variance required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I build a 7 foot privacy fence?
Not by right. You can request a minor fence exception for up to 8 feet with justification such as privacy from a two-story neighbor.
Does the 3 foot front limit include lattice?
Open lattice on top may be allowed above 3 feet if the overall structure does not create a visual barrier beyond the solid portion.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I build a 7-foot fence for privacy?
Only with an approved Minor Variance showing unique circumstances.
Do hedges count?
Yes, hedges taller than 6 feet in side/rear yards can be enforced as fences.
Compare other topics
See how Mountain View and Palo Alto 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