Residential Fence Standards
Building Inspection and
Community Development DivISIONs
CITY OF NEWARK, CALIFORNIA
37101 Newark Blvd, Newark, CA 94560-3796
Ph510-578-4261
Fax 510-578-4307
e-mail: [email protected]
General
The fence standards shown on this handout only apply to fences located on single family residential lots. Please call
the City Community Development Division at 510-578-4330 for fence standards at commercial, industrial and multifamily developments.
Permits
Building permits must be obtained from the City Building Inspection Division prior to constructing any wood or chain
link fence exceeding seven feet (7') in height and any masonry or concrete fence exceeding four feet (4') in height,
both measured from adjacent grade.
Front Yard Setbacks
Front yard setbacks vary between 20 and 25 feet depending on the residential district the lot is located in. Front yard
setbacks are measured from the front property line. Front property lines are generally, but not always, six inches (6")
behind the sidewalk. For specific information on setbacks, please contact the City Community Development Division
at 510-578-4330.
Fence Standards For Interior Lots
In general, fences along side and rear yard property lines of an interior lot can be no higher than 6 feet measured from
adjacent grade. However, one foot of wood lattice can be added to the top of a six foot high fence wood fence
provided the lattice can not be seen from a public street. Fences located within front yards can be no higher than
three feet (3') measured from the adjacent grade.
Maximum 6'
high fence
Maximum 3' high
fence in front yard
Front yard setback
generally 20' to 25' but
can vary
Property line
is generally 6" back
from the edge of the
sidewalk
St
At some locations
1' of lattice can
be added to the
top of fence
re
Sidewalk
et
Fence
6'
Maximum Fence
Height
TYPICAL INTERIOR LOT
Fences At Lots With Different Grades
Sometimes the grade elevation between adjacent lots will be
different. When this occurs the allowable height of a fence is
measured from the average of the adjacent grade elevation
on both sides of the fence. An example is shown to the right.
Often, when there is a large elevation difference between
lots a retaining wall is constructed at the property line and
the fence is built on top of the retaining wall.
Higher Grade
Equal
Equal
Lower Grade
Max. Height of Fence at Lots
with Different Adjacent Grades
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Residential Fence Standards
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Fence Standards For Corner Lots
Generally, fences along the interior side and rear property lines of a corner lot can be no higher than six feet (6')
measured from adjacent grade. The fence height at side yards along the street will vary. Fences located at the
property line can be no higher than three feet (3') measured from adjacent grade. Fences along the street side yard
can be up to six feet (6') high provide the fence is set back at least four feet (4') from the property line (see detail
below). Fences located within front yards can be no higher than three feet (3') measured from adjacent grade.
Maximum 6' high fence
Maximum 3' high
fence in front yard
Front yard setback
generally 20' to 25'
but can vary
Sidewalk
r
St
Property line
St
re
et
40
'
40
ee
t
Maximum 3' high
fence at property line
Minimum 4' from property
line – see detail below
'
Corner Cutoff - No fences or landscaping
over 3' high in this corner area – fence height
is measured from the lowest part of the street
which is normally the gutter.
TYPICAL CORNER LOT
Sight Line Clearance At Corner Lots
In order to provide clear sight lines for traffic entering an intersection, the height of fences and landscaping within a
triangular area at the street intersection is limited to three feet (3') measured from the lowest part of the adjacent
street. Trees can be planted in this triangular area provided they are pruned to provide a clear open area below the
tree’s leaves. Refer to detail below.
Tree
Gutter
6' Max.
Street
6' Min.
3'
Max.
Fence
Dwelling
Property
Line
Shrub or fence
4' Min.
6"
Sidewalk
Street
Tree, Shrub, and Fence
Clearances at Typical Corner Lot
Maximum Height and Location of Fence
at Property Line Adjacent to Street