Skip to content

Cotati · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in Cotati

Solid walls, hedges and fences in the front or street side setback are limited to 42 inches; in RR zones, up to 6 feet.

Ask about fences and walls in Cotati See coverage

Key points

  • Fences: Solid walls, hedges and fences in the front or street side setback are limited to 42 inches; in RR zones, up to 6 feet.

Each rule below links to the section of the Cotati Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Cotati's code says

Cotati code What Cotati's code adds
Corner visibility
  • No more than 3 feet high.
    Applies: Sight visibility areas where alleys, streets and driveways meet.
    § 17.30.030 · code text
    At intersections of alleys, streets, and driveways within sight visibility areas. See 17.30.040E (Height limit at street corners). | 3 ft. | 3 ft.
Height anywhere on the lot
  • No more than 8 feet high.
    Applies: Outside a required setback. The part above 7 feet must be open design, and a fence over 7 feet needs a building permit.
    § 17.30.030 · code text
    Outside of a required setback | 8 ft. (1) | 8 ft. (1)
Front yard height
  • No more than 42 inches high.
    Applies: Solid walls, hedges or fences in the front or street side setback.
    § 17.30.030 · code text
    Solid wall, hedge, or fencing: 42 in.
  • Up to 6 feet high.
    Applies: Fences in the front or street side setback in RR zones.
    § 17.30.030 · code text
    Up to 6 ft. is allowed in RR;
  • Up to 72 inches high.
    Applies: Fences from 42 to 72 inches in the front or street side setback, with Administrative Design Review approval.
    § 17.30.030 · code text
    From 42 to 72 in. is allowed with Administrative Design Review approval.
Side and rear yard height
  • No more than 7 feet high.
    Applies: Residential interior side or rear setbacks. Up to 8 feet if the part above 7 feet is open; over 7 feet needs a building permit.
    § 17.30.030 · code text
    Within interior side or rear setback – Residential zone | 7 ft. (1) | 7 ft. (1)
  • No more than 7 feet high.
    Applies: In zones with no required setback, 20 feet or more behind a front or street side property line.
    § 17.30.030 · code text
    20 ft. or more to the rear of a front or street side property line | 7 ft. (1) | 7 ft. (1)
Permit
  • A building permit is required.
    Applies: A fence or wall in a flood area shown on a Federal Flood Insurance Rate Map.
    § 17.30.030 · code text
    A fence or wall in an area subject to flooding identified on a Federal Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) on file in the department shall require a building permit,
  • A building permit is required.
    Applies: Any fence taller than 7 feet.
    § 17.30.030 · code text
    Any fence exceeding seven feet in height requires a Building Permit.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Cotati?

Solid walls, hedges and fences in the front or street side setback are limited to 42 inches; in RR zones, up to 6 feet.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Cotati property

Ask GoCodebook how Cotati's fences and walls rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in Cotati

All building on your lot rules in Cotati

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Cotati

Running a business from home in Cotati

Grading and erosion control in Cotati

Building on a hillside in Cotati

Outdoor lighting in Cotati

Signs on homes in Cotati

Trash and recycling carts in Cotati

Cotati Municipal Code — full text