Low front-yard fences
In R1 and R2 zones, fences in the required front yard are limited to 3 feet. In side and rear yards, 6 feet is allowed without a zoning permit, and a 6 to 7 foot fence in R1 needs development review.
Serving Mountain View, CA
Free estimates for paver patios, driveways, concrete work and wood fences in Mountain View.
Working in Mountain View
Mountain View is a flat valley-floor city at about 105 feet above sea level. It has 1950s and 60s ranch-style tracts on former orchard land in Blossom Valley, mid-century modern homes by Joseph Eichler and others in Monta Loma, and Spanish-style homes in Cuernavaca.
The city gets about 16 inches of rain a year, with December through February the wettest months and a nearly dry June through September. Level lots make patios and walkways straightforward, and we build every one on a compacted base.

Neighborhoods and places
What we build
The same eight services, built by the same Menlo Park crew. Tap one to see how we build it.
PaversA paver patio gives you a flat, tough spot for dining, grilling and hanging out. We lay out the shape, build a compacted base, set the pavers and lock them in.
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PaversA paver driveway adds curb appeal and handles daily traffic. The base does the heavy lifting, so we build it deep and set the pavers tight.
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PaversWalkways and steps that feel good underfoot and stay easy to keep clean. Straight, curved or stepped to follow the lay of your yard.
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PaversAdd a fire pit, seating area or a bigger patio footprint, so the yard works after dark too.
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ConcreteA poured concrete driveway is a clean, long-lasting surface. We prep the base, set the forms, pour and finish it.
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ConcreteFlat, smooth and built to last. Concrete patios, walkways, pads and slabs poured and finished to the shape you need.
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FencesA wood fence brings privacy and gives your yard a clear edge. We set the posts, hang the rails and boards, and keep the lines straight.
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FencesA leaning fence or a sagging gate doesn't always mean a whole new fence. We fix what can be fixed and build gates that swing right.
See detailsBefore you build
Local ground, local rules and local habits that shape a good paver, concrete or fence job.
In R1 and R2 zones, fences in the required front yard are limited to 3 feet. In side and rear yards, 6 feet is allowed without a zoning permit, and a 6 to 7 foot fence in R1 needs development review.
R1 driveways have a minimum width of 9 feet to at least a one-car garage or carport, and a minimum length of 20 feet from the property line. The paved parking area visible from the street is capped at 20 feet wide for lots with no garage or a one-car garage, and 30 feet wide with a two- or three-car garage.
A heritage tree is any tree 48 inches or more in circumference at 54 inches above grade, or an oak, redwood or cedar 12 inches or more. Work inside a heritage tree's drip line needs a permit, and the ground within 4 feet of the trunk can't be cut, filled or compacted without approval.
At least half of the required front setback area must be permanently landscaped.
Rules at a glance
A plain-language summary of what the Mountain View code says, to help you plan. Codes get amended and every lot is different, so treat it as a starting point.
| Topic | What the code says |
|---|---|
| Fence height, front yard | 3 ft in the required front yard in R1 and R2 zones. |
| Fence height, side and rear | 6 ft on side and rear property lines outside the required front yard, without a zoning permit. A 6 to 7 ft fence in R1 needs development review. On corner lots, 6 ft fences stay at least 5 ft from the street-side property line. |
| Retaining walls | Walls that only retain earth and create grade changes of 18 in. or less are exempt from zoning permit requirements if they do not need a grading permit. |
| Driveway permit | A permit from the Director of Public Works is required to build, alter or repair any street, sidewalk, curb, gutter or driveway in street areas. |
| Front setback | At least 50% of the required front setback area must be permanently landscaped. |
Rules change and lots differ. Check the current requirements with the City of Mountain View Community Development Department. We walk the lot with you at the free estimate and point out what to ask.
Nearby
Same crew, same free estimate. Pick a nearby city to see what we build there.
ZIP codes we cover in Mountain View: 94040, 94041 and 94043. Not sure about yours? Use the ZIP checker.
Questions
Three feet in the required front yard in R1 and R2 zones. In side and rear yards, 6 feet is allowed without a zoning permit, and a 6 to 7 foot fence in R1 needs development review.
In R1 zones the paved parking area visible from the street is capped at 20 feet wide for lots with no garage or a one-car garage, and 30 feet wide for lots with a two- or three-car garage. A driveway also needs a minimum width of 9 feet.
It can. Work inside a heritage tree's drip line needs a permit, and the ground within 4 feet of the trunk can't be cut, filled or compacted without approval, so we plan layouts around large trees.
Let's talk
Call, text, email or send a request. Tell us what you want to build and we'll set up a free estimate.
Free estimates for pavers, concrete and fences, from Menlo Park to the whole Bay Area.
Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free