Material Restrictions: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do material restrictions rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City has fewer restrictions than San Mateo.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo County's countywide fence ordinance (Ch. 8.332) regulates fence height and placement rather than materials, and expressly recognizes wood and cyclone fencing. Some specific districts and design-review overlays restrict materials like chain link, corrugated metal, and masonry near street frontages.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo regulates fences under Section 27.84.010 of the zoning code. The ordinance does not specify required materials but fences must not create safety hazards. Barbed wire is restricted to non-residential areas. Building permits are required for fences exceeding six feet.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Countywide rule | Regulates height/placement, not materials | - |
| Wood / cyclone | Recognized standard materials | - |
| District street-facing limits | Some ban chain link, corrugated metal, masonry | - |
| Masonry walls | Building permit required | - |
| Exception conditions | Materials/colors may be conditioned | - |
| Varies by | District, Design Review, Coastal overlay | - |
| Materials | - | Not specified — most common types OK |
| Barbed Wire | - | Residential prohibited |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 6 feet — building permit |
| 6-8 ft Range | - | 50% open above 6 ft required |
| Code Reference | - | SMMC §27.84.010 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Can I build a chain-link fence in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Generally yes — cyclone (chain-link) fencing is a recognized standard material under the county's fence guidance. However, some specific districts prohibit chain link and corrugated metal within 15 feet of street-facing property lines, so confirm your zoning district.
Does the county restrict fence materials?
The countywide ordinance (Ch. 8.332) regulates height and placement, not materials. Material limits — such as bans on masonry, chain link, or corrugated metal near street frontages — appear only in certain district and design-review standards.
San Mateo FAQ
What fence materials are allowed in San Mateo?
The code does not specify required materials. Wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain-link are commonly used. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones.
Can I use chain-link fencing?
Yes. Chain-link is permitted in side and rear yards in residential zones.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Fences over 6 feet require a building permit under Title 23, applied for by all abutting property owners. Standard fences under 6 feet generally do not need a permit.
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