Height Limits: Palo Alto vs Sunnyvale
How do height limits rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale 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 →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 | Palo Alto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
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.
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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