Maximum Heights
Santa Clara City Code § 18.34.040
in effectA. Maximum Height Standards. Except as otherwise provided by this Chapter, the maximum height of fences, walls, and screening in yard areas shall be consistent with Table 3-1 (Maximum Height of Fences, Screens, Walls, Hedges and Shrubbery in Setback Areas) and Section 18.30.030 (Sight-Distance Triangle). For maximum allowable fence height see Figure 3-4 (Allowable Fence Height).
Table 3-1 Maximum Height of Fences, Walls, Hedges, and Screens in Setback Areas
Figure 3-4 Allowable Fence Height
B. Retaining Walls. Retaining walls are limited to three feet in height with a six-foot fence above, and one additional foot of lattice. Properties with a grade differential of greater than four feet, a taller retaining wall is permissible, subject to Director approval. See Figure 3-5 (Retaining Wall Height Measurement).
Figure 3-5 Retaining Wall Height Measurement
| Location of Fence/ Wall/Hedge/Screen/Shrubbery | Maximum Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required front setback area | 3 feet | ||||
| Required street side setback area (along corner side property lines) | 3 feet | ||||
| All other areas of a parcel | 6 feet with up to an additional one foot of lattice |
Source: City of Santa Clara Zoning Code (santaclaraca.gov PDF)URL: https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-a-f/community-development/planning-division/zoningFetched: 10/24/2026