Stockton's Development Code establishes fence height limits by zoning district. In residential zones, fences are generally limited to 6 feet in side and rear yards. Front yard fences have lower height restrictions. One entry gateway up to 10 feet tall is permitted in front or street-facing side yards.
SMC Title 16 regulates fences, hedges, and walls. In residential zoning districts, fences and walls of 6 feet or less are exempt from land use permit requirements. One entry gateway, trellis, or other entry structure is permitted in the required front or street-facing side yard, provided it does not exceed 10 feet in height, 8 feet in width, and 3 feet in depth. Fences enclosing school grounds, playgrounds, tennis courts, or swimming pools may exceed height limits with Director approval. Noise mitigation walls may also exceed limits with approval. In the Magnolia Historic District overlay, wrought-iron and tubular-steel fences are limited to 6 feet.
Non-compliant fences: code enforcement notice to correct. Continued violation: citation and fines. Fence in public right-of-way: removal required.
Stockton, CA
Stockton does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content...
Stockton, CA
Stockton does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, height, or motor noise. They qualify as exempt holiday decorations under SMC Chap...
Stockton, CA
Stockton expressly exempts holiday decorations from sign permit requirements under SMC Chapter 16.76 (Sign Standards). The only formal requirement is that ho...
Stockton, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Stockton typically requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits from the Building & Life Safety Department u...
Stockton, CA
Stockton has no ordinance specifically addressing residential backyard smokers, but SMC Chapter 16.32 (General Performance Standards) declares dense smoke, n...
Stockton, CA
Stockton adopts the California Fire Code at SMC Chapter 15.12. Under CFC §308.1.4 as adopted, open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible b...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Joaquin County.
See how other cities in San Joaquin County handle height limits.
See how Stockton's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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