Height Limits: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do height limits 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
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 →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
South San Francisco fence heights are governed by SSFMC Title 20 (Zoning Code). Standard residential limits are 3–4 ft in front yards and up to 6 ft in side/rear yards. The updated zoning code addresses measurement methodology.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard (Solid) | 3 ft max | - |
| Front Yard (75% Open) | 4 ft max | - |
| Side/Rear Yard | 6 ft max (7 ft with permit) | 6 ft maximum |
| Over 7 Ft | Permit + SPAR exception required | - |
| Code | SMMC Ch. 27.84 | SSFMC Title 20 |
| Front Yard | - | 3–4 ft typical maximum |
| Height Measurement | - | From lowest grade within 3 ft of fence |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
South San Francisco FAQ
How tall can my fence be in South San Francisco?
South San Francisco fence heights are governed by SSFMC Title 20 (Zoning Code). Standard residential limits are 3–4 ft in front yards and up to 6 ft in side/rear yards. The updated zoning code addresses measurement methodology.
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in South San Francisco?
Front Yard: 3–4 ft typical maximum. Side/Rear Yard: 6 ft maximum. Height Measurement: From lowest grade within 3 ft of fence. Code: SSFMC Title 20.
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