Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 20 — ZONING›Chapter 20.30 — RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
San Jose Municipal Code Part 6 Fence Regulations
San Jose Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · San Jose
Cite as: San Jose Municipal Code Part 6 · Text as of 2026-10-04
20.30.600 - Fence regulations.¶
All fences on lots with a single one-family dwelling in any zoning district shall conform to the development regulations set forth below in Table 20-80. Fences which comply with these requirements do not require approval from the director. No fence may be erected or constructed which exceeds the height specified in Table 20-80 except as specifically allowed by a variance or in conformance with this title. All other fencing shall require approval from the director.
Table 20-80 Fence Regulations R-1 Residence Districts
Interior Lot
| Front Setback Area | Maximum three feet in height |
|---|---|
| Rear Setback Area | Maximum seven feet in height |
| Side Setback Area | Maximum seven feet in height |
| Corner Lot | Corner Lot |
| Front Setback Area | Maximum three feet in height |
| Rear Setback Area | Maximum seven feet in height |
| Adjacent to Side Setback Area of Key Lot or Corner Lot | Maximum three feet in height for a distance of twelve and one-half feet measured from the street property line and fifteen feet as measured from the rear lot line. |
| Adjacent to a Street | Maximum three feet in height within five feet of property line. Maximum seven feet in height at least five feet from property line. |
| Side Setback Area Not Adjacent to a Street | Maximum seven feet in height. |
| Intersections | Maximum three feet in height within the corner triangle; provided however, that single-stem plants or trees without foliage with a height between three feet and eight feet may be planted and maintained within the corner triangle on any corner lot. |
(Ords. 26248, 30373.)
20.30.610 - Measurement of height.¶
For purposes of this chapter, the measurement of fence height shall be measured from the grade of the public right-of-way, and from existing grade in the case of all other property lines.
(Ord. 26248.)
20.30.620 - Maximum height - Exception.¶
When the difference in grade along a common property line exceeds two feet, any fence along the common property line shall not exceed more than six feet in height.
(Ord. 26248.)
20.30.630 - Posts and gates.¶
Support posts or columns, not exceeding four feet in height and eighteen inches in width, and gates and trellises used for pedestrian purposes, not exceeding eight feet in height and five feet in length shall be permitted, provided such entry is at least fifteen feet away from an intersection.
(Ord. 26248.)
20.30.640 - Prohibited fences.¶
The following materials and fence types are prohibited from use on any parcel of property in the city that is used for residential purposes and is not subject to a development permit:
Barbed wire
Razor wire
Electric fences
Glass
Other sharp materials
(Ord. 26248.)
20.30.650 - Swimming and wading pool fencing requirements.¶
Swimming and wading pools are required to meet the fencing requirements found in Title 17 of the San José Municipal Code and/or as amended by state law.
(Ord. 26248.)
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