Novato, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 19.20.040 applies to all fences, walls and hedges. Table 3-1 sets the maximum height by location. Within the front yard setback the limit is 3 feet within 15 feet of the back of the sidewalk, or the back of the curb if there is no sidewalk, or the edge of the improved roadway if there is neither, and 6 feet elsewhere within the front setback. Within side and rear yard setbacks and within the street side setback the limit is 6 feet. At intersections of alleys, streets and driveways inside sight visibility areas the limit is 3 feet. Outside a required setback the structure height limit of the zone applies, and in a zone where no setback is required the limit is 8 feet.

Two footnotes allow more. Fences and walls can reach 8 feet within 3 feet of a side or rear property line when the part above six feet is open design, such as lattice, wrought iron or grille work allowing visibility through 50% of the material. Solid fences and walls set back more than 3 feet from the side or rear line can reach 8 feet. Note (1) adds that Design Review under Section 19.42.030 can authorize additional height.

Height is measured as the vertical distance between finished grade at the base of the fence and the top edge of the fence material. Fencing atop a wall is measured from the base of the wall, and where grade differs from one side to the other the measurement is taken from the side with the lowest natural grade.

The sight visibility area is in Section 19.20.070.D. On a corner lot it is a triangle formed by measuring 50 feet from the extension of the front and side property lines and connecting the lines. At alleys and driveways it is a triangle measured 15 feet from the edges of the driveway along the street property line. Nothing in these areas can exceed 36 inches, except trees trimmed to a minimum clearance of eight feet above grade or items approved by the Director.

Other rules apply. Side or rear yard fences abutting a public right-of-way and above 3 feet need a 10 foot setback from the right-of-way edge unless a 10-foot landscape parkway is provided. Perimeter fences or walls over six feet high and over 50 feet long adjoining a right-of-way need Design Review. Pool and spa fencing follows Section 4-3, and every fence or wall in the F3 flood overlay needs a Building Permit.