Daly City, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence 6 ft or under
- No building permit required
- Front-yard fences
- City approval required for visibility/utility clearances
- Right-of-way/easement
- Encroachment permit may be required (Engineering, (650) 991-8064)
- Retaining wall over 48 in. or surcharged
- Building permit + licensed engineer design required
- Building Division
- (650) 991-8061
Summary
Daly City does not require a building permit to build a fence 6 feet tall or less. Permits come into play only for front-yard approval, encroachment permits in the right-of-way, and retaining walls over 48 inches or supporting a surcharge.
The construction and installation of fences that is six feet (6') high or less does not require a building permit. ... Retaining walls greater than forty-eight inches (48") in height or less than 48 inches in height and supports a surcharge or an excavated uphill slope requires a building permit and must be designed by a licensed professional engineer. Construction documents are required to be submitted for structural review. ... All fences and walls that are extending to the front yard must be approved by the City concerning visibility to in-coming traffic, clearances to fire hydrants, gas and water valves, and utility boxes.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The City's official Fences and Retaining Walls handout states that the construction and installation of fences 6 feet high or less does not require a building permit, and the City's Planning Division FAQ confirms that the City neither requires fences nor requires permits to build them as long as they stay within the 6-foot height limit. Three exceptions apply. First, fences and walls extending into the front yard must be approved by the City for visibility to incoming traffic and clearances to fire hydrants, gas and water valves, and utility boxes.
Second, a fence or retaining wall constructed over a City easement or in the public right-of-way may require an encroachment permit from the Public Works/Engineering Division. Third, retaining walls greater than 48 inches in height - or shorter walls that support a surcharge or an excavated uphill slope - require a building permit, must be designed by a licensed professional engineer, and require construction documents for structural review. Contacts: Building Division (650) 991-8061 for permits, Planning Division (650) 991-8033 for fences, Engineering Division (650) 991-8064 for encroachment and right-of-way issues.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence over 6 feet without approval is enforced by Code Enforcement ((650) 991-8260). Unpermitted retaining walls over 48 inches or walls supporting a surcharge can draw stop-work orders and require retroactive engineering and permits. Fences in the right-of-way without an encroachment permit can be ordered removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace my backyard fence in Daly City?
Does a retaining wall need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Daly City
California rules heatmap·Compare Daly City to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Mateo County handle fence permit requirements.