In Santa Clara, a fence can be up to 3 feet tall in the required front setback and the required street-side setback. Everywhere else on the lot, the limit is 6 feet, with up to 1 more foot of lattice on top. Height is measured from finished grade, and you cannot build up the soil to gain height.
Updated October 2026
What are the limits by location?
| Location | Maximum height |
|---|---|
| Required front setback | 3 feet |
| Required street-side setback | 3 feet |
| All other areas | 6 feet plus up to 1 foot of lattice |
| Retaining wall with fence above | 3-foot wall, 6-foot fence, plus 1 foot of lattice |
| Posts, columns or gates in setbacks | 4 feet tall, 18 inches wide, at least 15 feet from an intersection |
What are the corner lot rules?
If your lot sits next to a corner lot whose home faces the side street, extra rules apply. A fence over 3 feet cannot sit closer to that side corner line than your dwelling, and it must be set back at least 10 feet from the front property line. Fences also have to respect the sight distance triangle at corners and driveways.
How is height measured?
From finished grade to the top edge of the fence. The code says grades next to the fence cannot be artificially raised to allow a taller fence. On a lot that slopes, measure at the fence line.
What if my yard is much higher than my neighbor's?
The code allows a retaining wall up to 3 feet with a 6-foot fence above it. Where the grade difference is more than 4 feet, a taller retaining wall may be allowed with approval from the Director.
When does the answer change?
It depends on how deep your required setbacks are, whether you are on a corner, and your zoning. These limits are written for all parcels in Chapter 18.34, but some zones, HOAs and special areas have stricter rules. A fence along a major four-lane road may go to 8 feet in the rear yard, with Architectural Review.
What fences fit these limits well?
- A 6-foot wood or vinyl privacy fence with a 1-foot lattice top in back.
- A 3-foot picket or aluminum fence in front.
- Pillars at an entry kept to 4 feet and placed away from the corner.
Sources
City of Santa Clara Zoning Code, Chapter 18.34, Sections 18.34.030, 18.34.040 (Table 3-1) and 18.34.050; City of Santa Clara, "Residential Fences" handout (RB06, revised March 2024) (santaclaraca.gov). Checked October 2026. General information, not legal advice; confirm with the City of Santa Clara Planning Division.