San Rafael, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front/street-side limit
- 4 feet by right
- Rear/interior-side limit
- 7 feet by right
- Maximum with review
- 9 feet, admin design review
- Sight-distance rule
- Must meet § 14.16.295
Summary
San Rafael caps residential fences at four feet in front and street-side yards but allows up to seven feet in rear and interior side yards for privacy, with a further increase to nine feet possible through administrative design review.
Fences and retaining walls not exceeding four feet (4′) in height, may be located within the front or street side yard setback...Fences not exceeding seven feet (7′) in height may be located within the required rear yard or interior side yard.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC § 14.16.140.A.1 sets the baseline privacy-fence heights for residential districts: no more than four feet (4′) in a required front or street-side yard, but up to seven feet (7′) in a required rear yard or interior side yard, subject to the sight-distance rules of § 14.16.295 at intersections and driveways. A property owner can go higher, up to nine feet in the rear or interior side yard where topography or a grade difference between adjoining sites warrants it, but only with administrative design review and an exception under Chapter 14.24. Front-yard fences can also gain up to two feet where needed to block a hazardous condition, again subject to design review.
Violations & Fines
A privacy fence built taller than the permitted four-foot front-yard or seven-foot rear-yard limit without an approved design review exception is a zoning violation and can be ordered removed or reduced by the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high can I build a backyard privacy fence in San Rafael?
What's the fence height limit facing the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
How San Rafael compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.