Fences and walls in Milpitas: the local rules

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

What Milpitas's code says

Milpitas code What Milpitas's code adds
Corner visibility	No higher than 3 feet in the visibility triangle, unless the Public Works Director approves. Applies: Corner lots; the triangle is measured 35 feet from the point where the curb lines meet. § C.2.040 · code text On corner lots, fences within the visibility triangle (see Figure C.2.040-1 (Visibility Triangle)) may not exceed three feet in height unless approved by the Public Works Director. The visibility triangle is formed by lines extended from the face of the curb to their intersection and a line connecting the face of the curb extensions measured 35 feet from their point of intersection.
Height anywhere on the lot	No higher than 42 inches. Applies: Within 10 feet of the property line in required street side setbacks; Valley Floor, outside the Hillside district. § C.2.040 · code text Within 10 feet of the property line. 42 inches. No higher than 6 feet. Applies: 10 feet or more from the property line in required street side setbacks; Valley Floor, outside the Hillside district. § C.2.040 · code text 10 feet or more from the property line. Six feet. Fences and walls no higher than 54 inches. Applies: The "H" Hillside Combining District. § C.2.040 · code text Fences and walls shall not exceed 54 inches in height.
Front yard height	No higher than 42 inches. Applies: Required front setbacks; Valley Floor, outside the Hillside district. § C.2.040 · code text Within required front setbacks. 42 inches.
Side and rear yard height	No higher than 6 feet. Applies: Required interior side and rear setbacks; Valley Floor, outside the Hillside district. § C.2.040 · code text Within required interior side and rear setbacks. Six feet. Up to 12 feet high. Applies: Valley Floor; side or rear setback next to recreation areas, athletic fields or sports courts; the part above 6 feet at least 50% open. § C.2.040 · code text Fences within a rear or side setback area adjacent to recreational areas, athletic fields, or sports courts may be up to 12 feet in height provided that the portion of the fence higher than six feet is at least 50 percent openwork design. Up to 8 feet high. Applies: Residential zones on the Valley Floor; rear and side setbacks, with written consent of adjoining residential owners. § C.2.040 · code text In residential zones, fences within the rear and side setback areas may be up to eight feet in height provided written consent of adjoining residential property owners is received.

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Milpitas?

City rule: on the Valley Floor, fences are limited to 42 inches in front setbacks and 6 ft in interior side and rear setbacks.

Fences and walls in Milpitas

Key points

What Milpitas's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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