Height Limits: Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do height limits rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View and Sunnyvale 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 →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale limits front yard fences to 3 feet, side and rear yard fences to 6 feet, and allows up to 8 feet with a minor fence permit for privacy and sound attenuation needs.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | 3 feet solid / 4 open |
| Side and rear | - | 6 feet |
| Max with permit | - | 8 feet |
| Corner sight triangle | - | 3 feet max |
| Permit authority | - | Planning Division |
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.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I build an 8-foot backyard fence for privacy?
Yes, with a minor zoning clearance from Planning that confirms setbacks, neighbor notification, and no sight-distance impacts. Approval is usually administrative.
Does a trellis on top of a fence count toward the height?
Yes if it is solid. Open-lattice trellis above a 6-foot fence may qualify for higher limits but still needs Planning confirmation and cannot exceed 8 feet total.
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