Fence Requirements: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do fence requirements rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Fences in unincorporated San Mateo County must comply with Chapter 8.332 height limits, corner-lot sight-distance rules, and grade-based measurement. Pool fencing, right-of-way encroachment, and Coastal Zone parcels carry additional requirements.
View full San Mateo rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Fences in unincorporated San Mateo County must comply with Chapter 8.332 height limits, corner-lot sight-distance rules, and grade-based measurement. Pool fencing, right-of-way encroachment, and Coastal Zone parcels carry additional requirements.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Corner sight triangle | 4 ft within 50 ft of street lines | 4 ft within 50 ft of street lines |
| Tree clearance | Trimmed to 7.5 ft above curb | Trimmed to 7.5 ft above curb |
| Right-of-way fence | Encroachment permit required | Encroachment permit required |
| Coastal Zone | LCP review; no standard height exception | LCP review; no standard height exception |
| Sight-distance study | May be required by civil engineer | May be required by civil engineer |
| Code basis | Zoning Reg. Sec. 8.332.010 | Zoning Reg. Sec. 8.332.010 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Mateo FAQ
Are there special fence rules for corner lots?
Yes. Within 50 feet of intersecting street lines on a corner lot, fences, walls, hedges, and growth are limited to 4 feet for sight distance, and trees must be trimmed to 7.5 feet above the curb, under Section 8.332.010.
Are Coastal Zone fences treated differently?
Yes. Coastal Zone parcels are not eligible for the standard Fence Height Exception and are subject to Local Coastal Program review, which can add design and resource-protection conditions. Check coastal designation on the county's Planning GIS tool.
South San Francisco FAQ
Are there special fence rules for corner lots?
Yes. Within 50 feet of intersecting street lines on a corner lot, fences, walls, hedges, and growth are limited to 4 feet for sight distance, and trees must be trimmed to 7.5 feet above the curb, under Section 8.332.010.
Are Coastal Zone fences treated differently?
Yes. Coastal Zone parcels are not eligible for the standard Fence Height Exception and are subject to Local Coastal Program review, which can add design and resource-protection conditions. Check coastal designation on the county's Planning GIS tool.
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