Santa Clara County allows fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards. Front-yard fences are limited to 3 feet (solid) or 4 feet (open). Fences under 7 feet do not require a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet require permits and engineering.
Santa Clara County zoning ordinance regulates fence heights. In residential zones, fences are allowed up to 6 feet in rear and side yards. Front-yard fences are limited to 3 feet if solid or 4 feet if open/semi-transparent. Fences under 7 feet generally do not require a building permit per the California Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet (from bottom of footing to top) require a building permit and may require engineering. Masonry walls may require permits depending on height and structural requirements. Sight-triangle requirements apply at intersections and driveways. Prohibited materials in residential zones include barbed wire and razor wire. Pool barriers must comply with California Building Code requirements.
Non-compliant fences may be cited through code enforcement with required modifications. Unpermitted retaining walls may require retroactive permits and engineering review.
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