Hercules, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

610 of the Hercules Municipal Code sets the default fence height at 6 feet in a required rear or side yard, dropping to 3 feet in a required front yard and along the street side yard of a corner lot within 20 feet of the front property line. Height is measured from the highest natural ground level adjoining the fence to its highest point. A separate corner-visibility rule bars any fence, wall or hedge taller than 3 feet above curb grade within 35 feet of the intersection of curb lines where a state highway, public road or street meets another one (measured from the nearest point on the curb for rounded corners, or from the right-of-way edge where there are no curbs), to keep sightlines clear for approaching vehicles.

Certain uses get taller allowances with design review approval under Chapter 13-42: fences up to 12 feet around public recreation areas like tennis or basketball courts if the portion above 6 feet is open wire galvanized steel construction and kept out of front yards; school play area fencing up to 10 feet along rear and side lines and 6 feet along the street line; roofline extensions of a building wall; security fencing over 6 feet around industrial or manufacturing uses outside residential and community commercial zones; and solid-board fencing up to 8 feet where a residential lot backs a railroad right-of-way.

Where a commercial or industrial site adjoins a residential district, a 6-to-8-foot solid fence, slatted chain-link, or evergreen hedge is required on the shared property line, dropping to 3 feet where it meets a residential front yard.