Height Limits: Palo Alto vs San Jose
How do height limits rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and San Jose, CA?
San Jose has fewer restrictions than Palo Alto.
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 →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose allows fences up to 3 feet in front yards and 7 feet in side/rear yards without a permit under SJMC §20.30.600.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Front Yard | - | 3 ft max |
| Side/Rear | - | 7 ft max |
| Commercial | - | 8 ft max |
| Code | - | SJMC §20.30.600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
San Jose FAQ
How tall can my fence be in San Jose?
San Jose allows fences up to 3 feet in front yards and 7 feet in side/rear yards without a permit under SJMC §20.30.600.
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in San Jose?
Front Yard: 3 ft max. Side/Rear: 7 ft max. Commercial: 8 ft max. Code: SJMC §20.30.600.
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