Santa Clara County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies only to
- New Almaden -h1 district
- Required material
- wood, historically compatible
- Height
- still governed by § 4.20.050
- Reviewed by
- County Historical Heritage Commission
Summary
In the unincorporated New Almaden Historic Preservation combining district of Santa Clara County, new and replacement fencing must be built of wood similar to the area's original fencing or another historically compatible design.
New and replacement fencing shall be built of wood similar to the early wood fencing, or other historically compatible design and materials. Fences and hedges shall otherwise conform with provisions of Section 4.20.050.8.Painting and decorating: New construction paint colors should be compatible with those that were used during the mid-to-late 1800s in this location. In general, color preferences from the time period were those from the natural color range, with emphasis on subdued, muted earth tones. Examples include, but are not limited to, grays, dark barn red, browns and tans.9.Window form: Window forms were generally multi-light, such as two over two, and they should be rectangular rather than round or arched. Fig. 3.50-1
Fig. 3.50-1
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
This material standard applies only within the "-h1" New Almaden Historic Preservation zoning district in unincorporated Santa Clara County, the former mining settlement around Almaden Road and Bertram Road. New and replacement fencing must be wood resembling the district's early wood fencing, or another historically compatible design and material approved through design review; fences and hedges must otherwise still meet the height and placement rules of § 4.20.050. Outside this one historic district, the county's zoning ordinance does not regulate fence material anywhere else in the unincorporated area, only height and siting.
Violations & Fines
Installing non-wood or historically incompatible fencing visible within the New Almaden district without Historical Heritage Commission or design review sign-off violates § 3.50.090(E)(7) and can trigger a stop-work order or removal requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Santa Clara County regulate fence materials countywide?
What material must a new fence in New Almaden use?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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