Palo Alto prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing in residential zones, and requires non-combustible materials within 5 feet of structures in the foothills VHFHSZ.
Palo Alto Municipal Code section 18.40.090 bans barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire, and electrified fencing in all residential and most commercial zones. These materials are allowed only in the M (Manufacturing) zone and on municipal utility properties, and only above 6 feet. Typical permitted materials include wood (cedar, redwood), vinyl, wrought iron, steel, chain link (except in front yards), masonry, and stucco. Chain link is discouraged in historic districts (Professorville, Downtown North) and prohibited in front yards. In the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone covering Los Trancos Woods, the Panhandle, and other foothill areas, fences within 5 feet of any structure must be non-combustible (metal, masonry, or stucco) per fire code amendments.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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