Santa Clara, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Chapter 18.34 gates most new fencing behind the city's Architectural Review process. Section 18.34.020(A) states that, unless a fence, wall, hedge or screen is exempt, it needs Architectural Review under Chapter 18.120 before it goes up, which routes typical residential fences through the Planning Division's site plan review rather than a separate building permit counter. Section 18.34.020(B) then carves out the main exemption: fences, walls and screens on R1-6L, R1-8L or R2 zoned parcels are excused from Architectural Review only if they are built in compliance with the measurement standards of Section 18.34.030, meaning they still have to meet the height table in Section 18.34.040 even without going through review.

That exemption is narrow: it applies to those three residential zoning designations only, so fences in every other zone, and any residential fence that does not meet the 18.34.030 measurement rules, still needs Architectural Review. The chapter also flags specific fence types that always trigger review even on otherwise-exempt lots. Section 18.34.050(B)(5) requires Architectural Review for rear-yard fencing along a major thoroughfare of four or more vehicle travel lanes, even though that fencing is allowed up to 8 feet, well above the normal 6-foot cap.

Nonresidential screening walls under Section 18.34.050(A), separating a commercial or industrial use from adjoining residential property or parking lots, likewise fall outside the residential exemption and require review as new construction.