Cupertino, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Design Review required
- All zones except R1, RHS, R2, small R3
- Citywide height cap
- 10 feet without a Fence Exception
- Reviewer
- Approval Body or Community Development Director
- Exception process
- Section 19.48.070 findings required
- Gates
- Separate building permit under Section 19.48.060
Summary
Cupertino requires Design Review approval for fences on nearly every zoning district except single-family (R1), hillside residential (RHS), duplex (R2), and small R3 properties. Section 19.48.020 also caps fence height at 10 feet everywhere in the city unless the Approval Body grants a Fence Exception under Section 19.48.070.
Design Review shall be required for projects in all zoning districts except R1, RHS, R2, and R3 (with up to four units). The Approval Body for a proposed project shall have the authority to require, approve, or disapprove fencing plans including location, height, and materials. ... At no point shall fence height exceed 10 feet without a Fence Exception
Full Breakdown
020 sets the permit trigger for most Cupertino fences: Design Review is required for fencing plans, including location, height and materials, on any project in a zoning district other than R1, RHS, R2, or R3 developments of up to four units. Where an Approval Body has not been assigned to review a project, the Director of Community Development or a designee reviews and approves or disapproves the fence design directly. 48 and to preserve visual privacy for the adjoining homes, and every fence design must keep corner triangles and sidewalk sight triangles clear.
Citywide, no fence of any kind may exceed 10 feet without a Fence Exception. 010, that granting it will not create a health, safety, or traffic hazard, and that the exception is the minimum needed to accomplish its purpose; a residential height exception must also show the added height is needed for screening or privacy. 060, so even projects exempt from Design Review can still need a permit before construction starts.
Violations & Fines
A fence built or altered without the Design Review approval required by Section 19.48.020, or one that exceeds 10 feet without an approved Fence Exception under Section 19.48.070, is out of compliance and subject to a correction order from the Community Development Department requiring removal or modification to the approved plans. Gates and taller fences built without the required building permit face the same code-enforcement process as any unpermitted structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Cupertino fence need Design Review approval?
Can a Cupertino fence be taller than 10 feet?
Do driveway gates need a permit in Cupertino?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle fence permit requirements.