General Regulations

The Foster City Municipal Code regulates fencing height. In single-family and two-family residential districts, fences up to 40 inches in height are permitted in any yard. In side and rear yards fences may be six feet high. Additionally, wood fences may be constructed to a maximum height of seven feet provided that:

• All fence material above six feet in height consists of wood lattice with a weave that is approximately 50% open; and
• The fence is located on a common property line between two houses in an R-1 or R-2 District; and
• The fence is not located on a property line that adjoins a public right-of-way or other public property, including, but not limited to public streets, public walkways, parks, schools, and open space areas; and
• The fence is not located on waterfront property.
• On a corner lot, fencing or planting are subject to additional restrictions.

Front Yard Fences

Fences which are up to 40" in height (maximum) are permitted in any yard.

Single-family dwelling units may also be permitted a front yard fence to a maximum height of six feet provided that it is constructed of 50% open-air materials and it is set back a minimum of twenty feet from the front property line.

Waterfront Properties

Fences located in the rear and side yard of waterfront properties are limited to a height and/or materials that do not significantly interfere with the view of the lagoon from adjacent properties.

Materials Allowed

Materials allowed for construction of permanent fences and walls along property lines are limited to the following:

• Brick
• Plaster
• Stucco
• Cedar
• Redwood
• Wrought Iron
• Cement
• Slumpstone
• Similar materials as determined by the Community Development Director

Additionally, clear tempered glass or clear Plexiglas is allowed on rear and side yards of waterfront properties only. Chain-link and redwood slat may be allowed for commercial, industrial or institutional uses depending on location and design. Design of fences in planned developments with homeowners? associations must be consistent with the approved prototype design for that development.

Required Permits

An Architectural Review Permit is requried for:

• Fences on waterfront property
• Fences and walls facing a public right of way (including parks and public walkways)
• Front yard fences (40" tall fence)
• Fences that face a public street (not including the portion of the fence beyond the main wall of the house see below)

An Architectural Review permit is not required if the fence is located between two houses or if the fence is located behind the front wall of the house between the side wall of the house and the side property line (the small portion of the fence that is parallel to the street for example the gate).

More Information

For further information or to request the application package for residential fences call the Planning/Code Enforcement Division.