San Jose allows fences up to 3 feet in front yards and 7 feet in side/rear yards without a permit under SJMC §20.30.600.
SJMC §20.30.600 (Zoning Code Chapter 20.30, Part 6) sets maximum fence heights: 3 feet in front yards (solid materials) and 7 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots must maintain sight triangle visibility for traffic safety, limiting fence height near intersections to 3 feet or less. Commercial zones generally allow up to 8 feet. Hillside zones may have additional restrictions to protect views. Fences exceeding standard limits require a development permit or variance through the Planning Department. No building permit needed for standard-height fences.
Code compliance notice with correction period. Remove or modify non-compliant fence. Fines if not corrected.
San Jose, CA
San Jose Municipal Code Title 7 (Animal Care and Control) requires dogs in public places, city parks, and trails to be on a leash no longer than six feet, re...
San Jose, CA
San Jose imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (SJMC Ch...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, and motor noise are not restricted by the munic...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting. The general nuisance provisions in SJMC Title 6 and th...
San Jose, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in San Jose typically requires multiple permits: a building permit for any structural roof or counter exceeding the patio cover ex...
San Jose, CA
San Jose does not have a dedicated ordinance for backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Use is governed by the multifamily balcony restriction...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle height limits.
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