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.
SMMC Chapter 27.84 governs fences, trees, and hedges in San Mateo. Front yard solid fences (wood, vinyl, masonry) are limited to 3 feet. Front yard fences with at least 75% open design (decorative metal, etc.) may be up to 4 feet. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet without a building permit. Fences 7 feet or lower that comply with fence regulations do not require a building permit; above 7 feet a permit is required plus a Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) Fence Exception application. Pre-1993 non-conforming fences are grandfathered. Pool fences must be at least 5 feet.
Code compliance notice with correction period. Remove or modify non-compliant fence. Fines if not corrected.
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