Height Limits: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do height limits rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Mountain View and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
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 →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara limits front yard fences to 3 feet and side/rear fences to 6 feet under City Code Title 18 Zoning, with corner lot visibility triangles and permits required for taller fences.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Front Yard Limit | - | 3 feet |
| Side/Rear Limit | - | 6 feet |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 6 feet |
| Corner Visibility Triangle | - | 25 feet / 3 foot limit |
| Pool Barrier Minimum | - | 60 inches (H&S 115920) |
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.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I build an 8-foot fence for privacy?
Only with a building permit and potentially a variance. Standard side/rear limit without permit is 6 feet.
Why is my front fence limited to 3 feet?
Low front-yard limits preserve street visibility and the open character of residential neighborhoods.
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