Santa Clara Zoning Code § 13.3 Specific to Site Walls

A. Fence and Wall Heights

1. Fence and wall heights shall be measured from the grade directly below In cases where the grade differs on either side of the fence or wall, the lower measuring point shall be the average between the grades of the sides Fences and walls (including retaining walls) must be set back at least 24 inches from the sidewalk

B. Entrance Arbors

1. Entrance arbors up to 9 feet in height and 5 feet in width may be permitted

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Landscaped retaining wall and fence.

C. General to Frontages

1. Fence and wall posts within the front setback shall be limited to 3 5 feet in height

2. Retaining walls may not have more than 3 feet of difference between the grade on either side Fences or walls up to 3 5 feet in height may be erected above retaining walls provided that:

• a. Any fence or wall more than 3 5 feet as measured from the sidewalk is at least 50% open

• b. At no point does the fence intrude into the line of visibility between the landing of the entrance(s) of the primary building(s) and the sidewalk This shall be measured from point that are 5 feet above said landing(s) and 5 feet above the sidewalk

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Entrance arbor.

18 Attachment 1:169

Publication, Apr 2026

SANTA CLARA CODE

79 | Chapter 13: Site Standards & Guidelines

D. Specific to Corner Lots

1. On corner lots, fences and walls may reach 6 feet in height to enclose the private rear yard from the side street, but must be set back at least as far back as the building face of the primary building Fences and walls may reach 8 feet in height, provided that any portion of the fence or wall that is more than 6 feet in height is at least 50% open

E. Specific to Interior Side Yards and Rear Yards

1. Fences and walls may reach 6 feet in height and flush with the facade of the primary building Interior side and rear fences and walls may reach 8 feet in height, provided that any portion of the fence or wall that is more than 6 feet in height is at least 50% open

2. Any rear fence or wall along any alley shall be so constructed as to provide a space in the rear yard that is sufficient in length, depth, and height to house trash bins off of the alley If another area within the rear yard meets this requirement, it shall not be necessary to incorporate such a space for trash bins into the fence or wall

3. Gates and doors on rear fences shall not open outward towards the alley but shall be designed to open inward to the property

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Landscaped fencing set back from sidewalk

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Cafe rearyard with a wood fence.

18 Attachment 1:170

Publication, Apr 2026

ZONING

80 | City of Santa Clara Downtown Form-Base Code