Fence Requirements: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do fence requirements rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View requires fences to be structurally sound, maintained in good repair, with finished side facing the neighbor or street and compliance with zoning setback and height rules.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose allows front-yard fences up to 3 feet tall and side/rear-yard fences up to 6 feet tall without a permit. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle setback restrictions for traffic safety.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Finished side | Outward facing | - |
| Barbed wire residential | Prohibited | - |
| Electric fencing | Generally prohibited | - |
| Public right of way | No encroachment | - |
| Dilapidated fence | Nuisance abatement | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Which side of the fence faces my neighbor?
The finished smooth side should face your neighbor; posts and rails face inward on your side.
Can I add barbed wire on top of my business fence?
Only with specific commercial security approval; residential barbed wire is prohibited in Mountain View.
San Jose FAQ
Compare other topics
See how Mountain View and San Jose compare on other ordinance categories.
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