Conditions for permitted fences.
San José Municipal Code § 17.24.030
in effect17.24.030 - Conditions for permitted fences.
The following fences may be constructed and maintained upon any parcel of property in the city that is used for residential purposes and is not subject to a development permit requirement pursuant to Chapter 20.100 of Title 20 of the code.
A. Interior Lots.
1. Front setback area: Fences not over three feet in height in the front setback area.
2. Rear setback area: Fences not over seven feet in height in the rear setback area.
3. Side setback area: Fences not over seven feet in height in the side setback area.
4. Buildable area: Fences not over six feet in height in the buildable area between the front setback and the front of any existing or proposed residence.
B. Corner Lots.
1. Front setback area: Fences not over three feet in height in the front setback area.
2. Rear setback area: Fences not over seven feet in height in the rear setback area. In the case of a rear setback area that backs up onto a side setback area of an adjacent key lot or corner lot, such fences shall not exceed three feet in height for a distance of twelve and one-half feet measured from the street property line and fifteen feet as measured from the rear lot line; nor shall any fence exceed six feet in height in any rear setback area adjacent to a street so long as such fence is at least five feet from the lot line inside the sidewalk. No fence shall exceed three feet in height in any rear setback area adjacent to a street between the lot line inside the sidewalk and five feet from the lot line inside the sidewalk.
3. Side setback area: Fences not over six feet in height in any side setback area adjacent to a street so long as such fence is at least five feet away from the lot line inside the sidewalk. No fence shall exceed three feet in height in any side setback area adjacent to a street between the lot line inside the sidewalk and five feet from the lot line inside the sidewalk.
C. Fences at Intersections. A fence located at the intersection of any two streets shall not exceed three feet in height within the corner triangle; provided however, that single-stem plants or trees without foliage with a height between three feet and eight feet may be planted and maintained within the corner triangle on any corner lot.
D. Exceptions for Posts and Gates. Support posts or columns, not exceeding four feet in height and eighteen inches in width, and gates and trellises used for pedestrian purposes, not exceeding eight feet in height and five feet in length shall be permitted, provided such entry is at least fifteen feet away from an intersection.
(Prior code § 8800; 17.24.020; Ord. 23405.)
Source: City of San José, Municipal Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/san_jose/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT17BUCO_CH17.24FEVARELO_17.24.030COPEFEFetched: 11/1/2026