Permit Requirements: Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do permit requirements rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet, but retaining walls, taller fences, and corner lot fences may require permits or planning review.
View full Mountain View rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards do not require a building permit in Sunnyvale, but fences over 7 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, and pool barriers always need permits.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 feet | No permit typically | - |
| Over 6 feet | Permit required | - |
| Retaining over 4 feet | Permit required | - |
| Commercial fences | Permit required | - |
| Building Division | (650) 903-6313 | - |
| No permit up to | - | 7 feet wood / vinyl |
| Permit required over | - | 7 feet |
| Retaining wall trigger | - | Over 4 feet |
| Pool barriers | - | Always permitted |
| Issuing office | - | One Stop Permit Center |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 6 foot wood fence?
No permit is typically required for a standard 6 foot wood fence in side or rear yards, but zoning rules still apply.
What about replacing an existing fence?
Like-for-like replacement does not usually require a permit if height and location stay the same.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace my existing 6-foot fence?
Like-for-like replacement at 6 feet in a side or rear yard does not require a building permit, but setbacks and HOA approval still apply.
Is barbed wire allowed on a residential fence?
No. Barbed wire and razor wire are not allowed on residential fences. Commercial and industrial uses may petition Planning for an exception.
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