I want to build a freestanding privacy wall/fence on my residential property. What are the height limits and design standards? What is the process to get approval?

wall fence 1 smwall fence 2










Freestanding privacy walls and fences in street-facing setback areas are limited to 42 inches in height. Up to six feet is allowed in side and rear yards. Masonry walls visible from the street shall be decorative, utilizing materials such as split-faced block or stucco to match the residence. Chain link fencing in the front yard is prohibited.

Freestanding walls and fences do not require a building permit, but still require Planning Division approval through an over-the-counter application called a Zoning Clearance.

Please submit a Uniform Application, a site plan (example) showing property line dimensions, location and details of the wall/fence such as material, height, and color of the proposed wall/fence. 

If the wall/fence is on a shared property line, please obtain authorization from the neighbor on the “Fence, Wall & Hedges Signature form.”


Show All Answers

1. How do I determine where my property lines are?
2. I want to build a freestanding privacy wall/fence on my residential property. What are the height limits and design standards? What is the process to get approval?
3. I want to build a retaining wall on my residential property. What are the requirements and what is the process to get approval?
4. I want to place a detached storage shed in my yard. What are the requirements and what is the process to get approval?
5. What is a setback?
6. I want to add a patio cover to my home. What are the requirements and what is the process to get approval?
7. Can I add onto my existing home? How big can the addition be?
8. I want to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on my property. What are the requirements and process?
9. What are the residential landscaping standards?
10. Where can I store my refuse and recycling containers?