Fence Permits

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Fences measuring 3.5' to 6' in height in a front yard require a Zoning Permit. See below for a list of exemptions and application and permit requirements.

Before you Start

Please review the Permit Requirements below as these vary from project to project.

Ready to get started? First, make sure you are registered and activated at our Online Permit Center. For instructions, please visit our Planning & Building Video Tutorials webpage.

Permit Requirements

When Are Permits Required?

Fences measuring 3.5' to 6' in height in a front yard require a Zoning Permit and must be at least 60% transparent. Fences over 6' in residential front yards are NOT permitted. Wood and metal fences over 7' require a Building Permit. Fences made of other materials may also require a Building Permit depending on their height.

Please review page 60 of our Design Review Manual for design guidelines. As indicated in the manual, if other fences on the same side of the block are pushed back 18" from the sidewalk, please match that distance for consistency.

In commercial and industrial zones, fences may be allowed up to 8' in height or in some cases up to 10' in height, and require Zoning Review. Some fences between 8 and 10' may also require a Zoning Permit.

EXEMPTIONS

For residential properties, the following fences do NOT require a Zoning Permit:

  • Fences measuring up to 3.5' (42”) tall in a front yard
  • Fences measuring up to 8' tall in a side yard or backyard

For commercial and industrial zones, fences under 8' do NOT require a Zoning Permit, but do require Zoning Review.

Who Can Be Issued Permits?

  1. Contractors who are licensed by the State of California with a classification appropriate for the work that will be performed and have a current Business Tax Certificate.
  2. Owners of a building or their legal representative.


 

How to Apply

Step 1.Step One:  Review

  • Submit a Zoning Worksheet (ZW) through our Online Permit Center*
    * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a ZW
  • In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review (select “Small Project Design Review” or “DS-1” under the "Development Permits" list on the application) and all associated documents. Include a photo of the yard, a site plan — with property lines, building footprints, and proposed fence location — along with elevations to scale for design and size.
  • Wooden or metal fences over 7' and retaining walls over 3' also require you to upload your completed Building Permit Application to your ZW
  • A planner will review your submission
  • Once approved, you will receive a decision letter from the Bureau of Planning and your application will be routed to the Building Permit Counter if applicable

 

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits (As Needed)

  • Once advised by Building Counter staff, please upload all associated Building Permit documents to your ZW

 

Step 3.Step Three: Application Review

Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you. If your plans are approved, we will contact you to issue your permit. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Need to Know

Questions?

Call (510) 238-3891 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

 

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Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Location

Planning & Building
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA
94612
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