Santa Clara County prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences in residential zones. Foothill VHFHSZ areas recommend non-combustible fencing within 5 feet of structures for ember resistance.
Residential fence materials in unincorporated Santa Clara County must comply with both the Zoning Ordinance and applicable fire hazard regulations. Barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire, and electrified fences are prohibited in residential districts; agricultural and ranchland parcels may use barbed wire with setbacks. Chain link fences are typically discouraged in front yards along designated scenic roads (such as portions of Highway 9, Uvas Road, and Mount Hamilton Road) where design review favors wood, stone, split-rail, or vegetated screens. In foothill Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones mapped by CAL FIRE, the county and CAL FIRE recommend non-combustible fencing such as metal, masonry, or stone within 5 feet of structures under the emerging Zone 0 ember-resistant standards from AB 3074. Wood fences attached to a home can conduct flames during wildfires; separating wood fences from structures with a metal section is a widely recommended hardening measure.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Santa Clara County's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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