Santa Clara, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Santa Clara City Code Title 18 (Zoning) establishes residential fence height limits. Front yard fences, walls, and hedges are limited to 3 feet in height measured from the adjacent sidewalk grade. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet tall without a permit. Fences exceeding 6 feet require a building permit and may require a height variance approved by the Planning Division. Corner lots have a 25-foot visibility triangle at the intersection where fence height is limited to 3 feet to maintain sight lines for drivers and pedestrians, consistent with California Vehicle Code intersection visibility requirements. Fences near swimming pools must comply with California Health and Safety Code Section 115920 minimum 60-inch barrier requirement. Trellises and arbors may add up to 2 feet of decorative height above fence limits if at least 50 percent open. HOA covenants in master-planned communities like Rivermark may impose stricter standards. Santa Clara University has its own campus fence standards. Violations require removal or reduction and can result in administrative citations.