San Francisco requires permits for fences over 6 feet. Fences 6 feet and under in rear/side yards generally do not need a building permit but must comply with Planning Code. Section 311 notification may apply.
In San Francisco, standard residential fences 6 feet or under in rear and side yards generally do not require a building permit from DBI. However, all fences must comply with the SF Planning Code height limits by location: 3 feet in front yards, 6 feet in rear and side yards. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and may trigger Section 311 neighborhood notification. Corner lots have sight-line requirements. Retaining walls and fences on top of retaining walls are measured from the lower grade. Pool fences must be at least 5 feet high per California Building Code §3109. In historic districts or areas with Residential Design Guidelines, fence design and materials may need to be compatible with neighborhood character. DBI reviews fence permits for structural compliance; Planning reviews for code compliance.
Over-height fences: NOV and potential removal order. Building without required permit: penalties up to 9x fee.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet ...
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
See how San Francisco's fence permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.