Material Restrictions: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do material restrictions rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco has fewer restrictions than San Mateo.
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 →South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
South San Francisco 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.
Compare other topics
See how San Mateo and South San Francisco compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool