Height Limits: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do height limits rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Max fence height in Redwood City: 3 ft (solid) or 5 ft (open-top) in the front-yard 15-ft setback, 7 ft on side and rear yards, and 5 ft+ for pool barriers. Permits aren't required under 7 ft. Corner-lot visibility triangle applies.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo's fence height limits: front yard 3 ft solid or 4 ft if 75% open; side/rear max 6 ft (7 ft with permit). Fences over 7 ft require a building permit and SPAR exception. Code: SMMC Ch. 27.84.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Front Setback (15 ft) | 3 ft solid; up to 5 ft with open topper | - |
| Side/Rear Yards | Up to 7 ft | - |
| Pool Fences | Greater than 5 ft required | - |
| Code | RWC Zoning Code R Districts | SMMC Ch. 27.84 |
| Front Yard (Solid) | - | 3 ft max |
| Front Yard (75% Open) | - | 4 ft max |
| Side/Rear Yard | - | 6 ft max (7 ft with permit) |
| Over 7 Ft | - | Permit + SPAR exception required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Redwood City?
Redwood City fence height limits vary by location: front yard (15-ft setback) maximum 3 ft solid or 5 ft with open top; outside front setback up to 7 ft. Pool fences must be over 5 ft. Corner lot visibility rules apply.
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in Redwood City?
Front Setback (15 ft): 3 ft solid; up to 5 ft with open topper. Side/Rear Yards: Up to 7 ft. Pool Fences: Greater than 5 ft required. Code: RWC Zoning Code R Districts.
San Mateo FAQ
How tall can my fence be in San Mateo?
San Mateo's fence height limits: front yard 3 ft solid or 4 ft if 75% open; side/rear max 6 ft (7 ft with permit). Fences over 7 ft require a building permit and SPAR exception. Code: SMMC Ch. 27.84.
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in San Mateo?
Front Yard (Solid): 3 ft max. Front Yard (75% Open): 4 ft max. Side/Rear Yard: 6 ft max (7 ft with permit). Over 7 Ft: Permit + SPAR exception required.
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