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San Joaquin · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in San Joaquin

Fences, walls and hedges are limited to 3 feet in front yards and 6 feet in required rear and side yards (city rule).

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Key points

  • Fence height: Fences, walls and hedges are limited to 3 feet in front yards and 6 feet in required rear and side yards (city rule).

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

What San Joaquin's code says

San Joaquin code What San Joaquin's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot
  • A solid fence can never be more than 8 feet tall.
    Applies: Solid fences built above the normal limits with a conditional use permit.
    § 154.293 · code text
    In no case may a solid fence exceed eight feet in height.
Front yard height
  • Fences, walls and hedges can be no more than 3 feet tall.
    Applies: In front yards.
    § 154.293 · code text
    Fences, walls, hedges, and similar obstructions shall not exceed three feet in height in front yards nor six feet in height in any required rear and side yard.
Side and rear yard height
  • Fences, walls and hedges can be no more than 6 feet tall.
    Applies: In any required rear and side yard.
    § 154.293 · code text
    Fences, walls, hedges, and similar obstructions shall not exceed three feet in height in front yards nor six feet in height in any required rear and side yard.
Permit
  • A use permit is required for barbed wire or similar material.
    Applies: Fences in the city.
    § 154.293 · code text
    Fences within the city shall not be constructed of barbed wire or similar material unless a use permit is first obtained.
  • A conditional use permit is needed for fences above the normal limits; solid fences can never exceed 8 feet.
    § 154.293 · code text
    Construction of fences in excess of the standards established in this section may be granted by a conditional use permit.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in San Joaquin?

Fences, walls and hedges are limited to 3 feet in front yards and 6 feet in required rear and side yards (city rule).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific San Joaquin property

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San Joaquin Municipal Code — full text