Fence & Deck Repair in Los Altos

Six feet, with lower limits near streets. Six feet is the general limit (Los Altos Municipal Code § 14.72.020). Within the required front yard, and within 5 feet of the exterior side property line of a corner lot, the limit is 4 feet.

Two feet of lattice in back. In side and rear yards, up to 2 additional feet of lattice or another material that is generally at least 50% open may be allowed on top of a fence if the city planner finds it sufficiently open and compatible with the fence (§ 14.72.020(F)). That is the way to more privacy without a solid 8-foot wall.

Above six feet. A solid fence or wall greater than six feet needs administrative design review before a building permit can be issued (§ 14.77.020).

Corner lots can be reoriented. On a corner lot, the city planner may approve an exception that treats the exterior side yard as the front yard for fence purposes, where that matches how the house is oriented (§ 14.72.020(B)).

Two triangles. At the intersection of two streets, nothing over 3 feet is allowed within a 25-foot triangle. At every driveway, nothing over 4 feet is allowed within a 15-foot triangle on either side where the driveway meets the street. A gate or fence section rebuilt beside a driveway has to stay under that line.

No barbed wire or electric fences near the street. Barbed wire, electric and other fences dangerous to persons or property may not be built within 10 feet of any property line that adjoins a street or public walkway (§ 14.72.030).

Full height details are on the Los Altos fence rules page. A gate in that fence line that sags, drags or misses its latch is a repair of its own: see gate repair.

• Note whether the damaged section is in the front yard, along a side street, or next to the driveway; each has a different limit.
• Measure the current height.
• If the fence is shared, read who pays for a shared fence in California before agreeing on a split.

How tall can a backyard fence be in Los Altos?
Six feet is the general limit. In side and rear yards, up to 2 additional feet of lattice or another material that is generally at least 50% open may be allowed if the city planner finds it sufficiently open and compatible with the fence.

Why does a fence next to my driveway have to be lower?
Los Altos limits fences to 4 feet within a 15-foot triangle on each side of a driveway where it meets the street, so drivers can see.

Do I need a building permit for an ordinary fence repair?
Under the 2025 California Residential Code, fences not over 7 feet are generally exempt from a building permit, subject to local amendments. The city's height and location limits still apply. See when a fence or deck needs a permit.

• Los Altos Municipal Code ch. 14.72, §§ 14.72.020, 14.72.030, and § 14.77.020 (Municode, version of September 11, 2026).
• City of Los Altos, Fence Regulations handout.