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Oakland · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in Oakland

Oakland limits residential fences to 42 inches in front and corner street side yards and 8 ft in most other yards.

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Key points

  • Fence height: Oakland limits residential fences to 42 inches in front and corner street side yards and 8 ft in most other yards.

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

What Oakland's code says

Oakland code What Oakland's code adds
Front yard height
  • Fences can be at most 42 inches tall.
    Applies: Minimum front yards and corner street side yards in residential areas; 6 feet with small project design review or in some rear street side yards.
    § 17.108.140 · code text
    In any minimum front yard, or any minimum side yard on the street side of a corner lot: forty-two (42) inches, except that six (6) feet is permitted in the following cases:
  • Fences can be up to 6 feet tall instead of 42 inches.
    Applies: Corner street side yards within the greater of 35 feet from the rear lot line or main building's rear; or with small project design review.
    § 17.108.140 · code text
    In any minimum front yard, or any minimum side yard on the street side of a corner lot: forty-two (42) inches, except that six (6) feet is permitted in the following cases:
Side and rear yard height
  • Fences can be at most 6 feet tall.
    Applies: Minimum rear yard within 10 feet of a street line next to the lot, in residential zones or on residential properties.
    § 17.108.140 · code text
    In any minimum rear yard if within ten (10) feet of a street line that abuts the lot: six (6) feet.
  • Fences can be at most 8 feet tall.
    Applies: Any other minimum yard or court in residential zones or on residential properties.
    § 17.108.140 · code text
    In any other minimum yard or court: eight (8) feet;

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Oakland?

Oakland limits residential fences to 42 inches in front and corner street side yards and 8 ft in most other yards.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Oakland property

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

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Oakland Municipal Code — full text