California Front Yard Fence Regulations

If you're going to install a fence in your front yard in a residential area, it's important to know about the regulations for your city. Fences in the front yard typically follow a different set of regulations than those in the backyard.
Shelby Robinson
Shelby Robinson
/
Last Update:
January 10, 2023

If you're going to install a fence in your front yard in a residential area, it's important to know about the regulations for your city. Fences in the front yard typically follow a different set of regulations than those in the backyard. Homeowners' Associations and other local ordinances may play a role in the type and style of fence you can have as well. In this post, we'll go over what you should know about getting a fence for your front yard.


Height and Style

Typically, the maximum height for a fence in the front yard is 4 feet tall. In some areas, like for a single-family property in San Jose or Fresno, the limit is 3 feet tall. This height requirement often includes the front yard "setback area" which refers to the sides of the front yard. You can see an example of a fence that changes in height once it reaches the setback area and front yard below. 


In terms of style, it's often required to use "open" styles of fences, which have gaps in between the pickets. This is also shown in the image below. The main reason for these height and style regulations is to make sure fences don't reduce the visibility of the street, and ensure the safety of drivers turning into or out of a residential lot. 


Front Yard Fence



Specific City Regulations

Because regulations can vary based on your city or region, here are some links to the regulations for a few of the cities in California we provide fence installation services for. Just click the appropriate link for your city below:


Palo Alto

Sacramento 

Fresno

Napa

Oakland

San Jose


For more information on general California Fence Laws, you can read our post here


Ultimately, the specific regulations vary depending on where you live, which is why it's always a good idea to double-check with your city and HOA before getting a new fence. If you choose us to install your fence, our experts will work with you to make sure that your new fence is within the regulations for your area.

Ready to get started? Join the over 10,000 happy customers who have had fences built by Ergeon. We specialize in fence installation and repair and hold a 4.6 average rating!


Want Your Fence Installed by a Pro?
Let us take care of your fence installation project with no hassle and zero hidden fees. Start with a free quote in just a few clicks: it’s easy and takes just a few minutes
Get a Free Quote