Fencing Code

City Code 19.06 – Landscaping and Fencing

Height Restrictions

Fences are allowed in front yards if the height does not exceed three feet. Fences in the side yard and backyard should be not taller than six feet in height. Exhibit 1 highlights the fence height for a few example yards in the same neighborhood. In very limited cases, up to eight feet in height may be approved when a property is adjacent to a more intense use and the other criteria in the code are met.   Fencing for sports courts may be taller than six feet and can be placed parallel to the perimeter fence if they are separated by at least three feet.  Refer to City Code 19.06.09(4)(b) for parallel fencing height limits, standards and regulations. 

Exhibit 1


Parallel Fencing

Interior fencing that parallels existing fencing is allowed in the following situations: 

  • Interior fence will keep in chickens, bees, or other livestock allowed in Title 19 of the City Code
  • Fencing is three feet or more away from the perimeter fencing with access to maintain the area between the fences
    1. Fencing around sport courts and backstops may be 15 feet in height within single-family lots and 18 feet in height within multi-family developments

Fence Approval

A fence does not require a permit from the Building Department and approval from the Planning Department if the height of the fence is six feet or less. In very limited situations, an eight-foot-tall fence perimeter fence may be approved. Please contact the Planning Department if you are interested in a fence exceeding six feet in height to determine if your situation meets the criteria in the Code. If approved, a building permit will be required.

Restricted Fencing

Barbed wire, chain link, razor, or wire fences are not allowed. Chain link or wire fences are allowed if the following standards are met:

  • Not used to define or lay out lot/property boundary; and
  • Used for Agricultural uses or containment of animals; and
  • Does not take up more than 50% of a yard in a residential area or
  • Used for back stops, sports fields, or sport court fencing within a public or private park 

Residential Fences Adjacent to Open Space, Parks, Canals, and Trails

Residential fences adjacent to open space, parks, canals, and trails are required to be semi-private to enhance the safety of the area. This is so that homeowners can see what is happening on the other side of the fence. However, the Code does allow an exception along some parts of Redwood Road if the fence and open space are HOA owned. The benefit of the semi-private fence is that homeowners can see what is happening on the other side of the fence which improves the safety for homeowners and open space users.

Fencing in Non-Residential & Multi-Family Developments

Fencing and screening in non-residential and multi-family developments (commercial, townhomes, apartments, condominiums, etc.) are approved with the site plan application and must be shown on the plans. Changes to approved plans require an application for amendment.

Permitted Fencing Materials

Fences can be built from various materials, such as vinyl, wood, and metal, if the fence type is not restricted – see Restricted Fencing Section. 

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls that are four feet or taller in height requires a building permit. Please contact the Building Department for more information. If there is a difference in elevation on opposite sides of the fence, the height of the fence will be measured from the top of the retaining wall.

exhibit 3

Clear Sight Triangle

For drivers and pedestrians to always have a clear view from the road and driveway, a clear sight triangle is required for these situations: 

Fence is adjacent to the neighboring driveway 

Exhibit 4


Intersection of two roads 

exhibit 5

The height of fences in areas within the Clear Sight Triangle cannot exceed three feet. For Clear Sight Triangle dimension information at the intersection of two roads, please consult with a City engineer. For clear Sight Triangle dimensions for a fence adjacent to a neighborhood driveway, measure 15 feet from the corner of the driveway along the property line in both directions then connect the ends to make a triangle.

Swimming Pools Fencing Requirements (19.05.02.14)

The property in which the swimming pool is located must have a fence. If a swimming pool is less than 30 feet from any property line, a view obstructing wall or fence is required.  All gates will need a latching device on the gate's interior side.