Low front-yard fences
Fences in the front yard and street-side yard are limited to 3 feet, and also to 3 feet inside the triangles at corners and driveways. Privacy fences usually go along the side and rear lines.
Serving San Mateo, CA
Paver, concrete and fence contractor in San Mateo, CA.
Free estimates for paver patios, driveways, concrete work and wood fences in San Mateo.
Free estimates Pavers, concrete and fences Menlo Park crew
Working in San Mateo
Building in San Mateo, one yard at a time.
San Mateo is a large Peninsula city of about 42,000 homes. Downtown and the neighborhoods east of El Camino Real are denser, and the west side is more spread out. Neighborhoods include Baywood, Beresford Hillsdale, Borel, Central, Fiesta Gardens, San Mateo Park, Sunnybrae and Shoreview.
The climate is warm-summer Mediterranean. Ocean air comes through the San Bruno Gap and Crystal Springs Gap, bringing gusty afternoon winds and summer fog, and most of the rain falls in winter. Front-yard fences are kept low here, so privacy fences usually go along side and rear lines.
San Mateo, CAFree estimates, local crew
Neighborhoods and places
- Baywood
- Beresford Hillsdale
- Borel
- Central
- Fiesta Gardens
- San Mateo Park
- Sunnybrae
- Shoreview
What we build
Services in San Mateo.
The same eight services, built by the same Menlo Park crew. Tap one to see how we build it.
PaversPaver patios
A 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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PaversPaver driveways
A 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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PaversPaver walkways and steps
Walkways 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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PaversFire pits and outdoor living
Add a fire pit, seating area or a bigger patio footprint, so the yard works after dark too.
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ConcreteConcrete driveways
A poured concrete driveway is a clean, long-lasting surface. We prep the base, set the forms, pour and finish it.
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ConcreteConcrete patios and walkways
Flat, smooth and built to last. Concrete patios, walkways, pads and slabs poured and finished to the shape you need.
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FencesWood fences
A 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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FencesFence gates and repairs
A 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
What to know before you build in San Mateo.
Local ground, local rules and local habits that shape a good paver, concrete or fence job.
Taller on side and rear lines
The general limit is 6 feet. Up to 8 feet is allowed on interior side and rear lines if a building permit is issued on application from all abutting owners, and the part above 6 feet is at least 50% open, like lattice.
Heritage trees
Oaks 10 inches in trunk diameter or more, and all other species 15 inches or more, are heritage trees, and street trees are protected too. A permit is needed to remove one or do major pruning, and construction inside a protected tree's protection zone needs an arborist-prepared plan.
Wind on the fence line
Gusty afternoon winds through the gaps in the hills are part of the weather here, so posts and gates need to be set to handle them.
Rules at a glance
San Mateo fence, wall and paving basics.
A plain-language summary of what the San Mateo 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 and street side | 3 ft in the front yard and street-side yard. Posts up to 12 in. wide may reach 42 in., and entry structures over pedestrian gates may be 8 ft tall and up to 5 ft wide. |
| Corner and driveway triangles | 3 ft inside the triangles at corner lots and intersections, and inside the 10 ft triangles at driveway edges. |
| Fence height, side and rear | 6 ft is the general maximum. Up to 8 ft is allowed on interior side and rear lines with a building permit, applications from all abutting owners and the part above 6 ft at least 50% open. |
| Fence permit | The city's fences page says no permit is needed for a compliant fence 6 to 7 ft or lower, and that a building permit is required for fences over 7 ft. The code wording differs slightly, so confirm with the city. |
| Hedges and trees at the street | Hedges over 3 ft and mature trees with branches lower than 7 ft are prohibited within street or alley rights-of-way. |
Confirm before you build
Rules change and lots differ. Check the current requirements with the City of San Mateo Community Development Department (330 W 20th Avenue). We walk the lot with you at the free estimate and point out what to ask.
Nearby
Also building near San Mateo.
Same crew, same free estimate. Pick a nearby city to see what we build there.
ZIP codes we cover in San Mateo: 94401 to 94404. Not sure about yours? Use the ZIP checker.
Questions
San Mateo: questions, answered.
How tall can a fence be in my San Mateo front yard?
Three feet in the front yard and the street-side yard, and three feet inside the triangles at corners and driveways. Privacy fences usually go along the side and rear lines, where the general limit is six feet.
Can I build an 8-foot fence in San Mateo?
In some cases, on interior side and rear lines. A building permit is required, all abutting owners must apply with you, and the part above 6 feet has to be at least 50% open, such as lattice.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree for a patio in San Mateo?
A permit is required to remove any protected tree. That includes heritage trees, which are oaks 10 inches in diameter or more and other species 15 inches or more, and street trees. Check with the city before you plan around a large tree.
Let's talk
Ready for a yard you'll love?
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Free estimates for pavers, concrete and fences, from Menlo Park to the whole Bay Area.
Call or text today(650) 334-6529
Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free