Fences and walls in Novato: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Novato Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Novato's code says

Novato code What Novato's code adds
Corner visibility	Fences can be at most 3 feet tall. Applies: In sight visibility areas where alleys, streets and driveways meet. § 19.20.040 · code text At intersections of alleys, streets, and driveways within sight visibility areas. \| 3 ft. and also see Section 19.20.070.D (Sight Visibility Area Required)
Height anywhere on the lot	Fences can be as tall as the zone's height limit for structures. Applies: Outside a required setback. § 19.20.040 · code text Outside of a required setback \| As determined by the height limit for structures within the applicable zoning district.
Front yard height	Fences can be at most 3 feet tall. Applies: In the front setback, within 15 feet of the back of sidewalk, or the curb or road edge if there is none. § 19.20.040 · code text 3 ft. within 15 ft. of the back of sidewalk, or the back of curb, if there is no sidewalk, or the edge of the improved roadway if there is no sidewalk or curb; Fences can be at most 6 feet tall. Applies: In the front setback, more than 15 feet from the back of sidewalk, curb or road edge. § 19.20.040 · code text 6 ft. elsewhere within front setback.
Side and rear yard height	Fences can be at most 6 feet tall. Applies: Within side and rear yard setbacks. § 19.20.040 · code text Within side and rear yard setbacks \| 6 ft. (2) (3) Fences and walls can be up to 8 feet tall. Applies: Within 3 feet of a side or rear line, if the part above 6 feet is 50% see-through, such as lattice or wrought iron. § 19.20.040 · code text Fences and walls may be allowed up to 8 feet in height within 3 feet of side or rear property line when the portions of the fence above six feet are of an open design Solid fences and walls can be up to 8 feet tall. Applies: Set back more than 3 feet from the side or rear property line. § 19.20.040 · code text Solid fences and walls set back greater than 3 feet from side or rear property line may be allowed up to 8 feet in height.
Permit	A building permit is required. Applies: All fences and walls in the Flood Hazard (F3) Overlay District. § 19.20.040 · code text All fences and walls in the F3 overlay district shall require a Building Permit

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Novato?

City rule: fences are limited to 3 ft within 15 ft of the sidewalk in the front setback, and 6 ft elsewhere in setbacks.

Fences and walls in Novato

Key points

What Novato's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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