How tall can a backyard fence be in Stockton?

Up to 8 feet under the Development Code. A fence over 7 feet requires a building permit.

What is the height limit near corners and driveways?

The City of Stockton residential fence handout lists a 2.5-foot limit in traffic sight areas at intersections and residential driveways.

Height guide

How tall can a fence be in Stockton?

Q: How tall can a front yard fence be in Stockton?

3 feet if solid, 4 feet if open, or 5 feet for decorative wrought iron or tubular steel, within the required front setback.

Updated October 2026

Up to 8 feet in rear and interior side yards, and far less in front. Under Stockton Municipal Code section 16.48.050, fences in the front and street-side setbacks are capped at 3 feet if solid, 4 feet if open, and 5 feet for decorative wrought iron or tubular steel. It depends on where the fence sits on the lot, whether it is near a corner or driveway, and whether you are inside city limits at all.

What are the height limits by location?

City of Stockton residential fence heights, as of October 2026
Location	Maximum height
Front or street-side setback, solid fence	3 ft
Front or street-side setback, open fence (33% or more view-through)	4 ft
Front or street-side setback, decorative wrought iron or tubular steel	5 ft (6 ft in the Magnolia Historic District overlay)
Traffic sight areas at corners and driveways	2½ ft
Interior side, rear and all other areas	8 ft (over 7 ft needs a building permit)
One entry feature per lot (arbor, gateway)	10 ft tall, 8 ft wide, 3 ft deep

How deep is the front setback?

The city's handout lists a front setback of 15 feet in the RL and RM residential zones and 10 feet in RH, with a 10-foot street-side setback on corner lots. Past that line, the 8-foot limit applies, so a taller fence set back behind the setback is allowed.

How is height measured?

From the highest finished grade on either side of the fence to its top (section 16.48.040). If your yard sits higher than your neighbor's, the measurement starts from the higher side.

What are traffic sight areas?

Triangles at corners and driveways where anything over 2½ feet can block drivers' views. The handout gives their size as 30 feet at intersections with no stop sign or signal, 20 feet where there is one, and 10 feet at residential driveways.

Are there limits on posts for front metal fences?

Yes. Posts for decorative metal fences in the setback are limited to 18 inches square and 5 feet tall, spaced at least 7 feet apart. See iron and aluminum fences.

Do HOAs or other cities change this?

An HOA can be stricter than city code, never looser. Lodi, Manteca, Tracy and Lathrop write their own height limits, and county parcels follow San Joaquin County. Related: Stockton permit guide.

Sources

Stockton Municipal Code sections 16.48.040 (measurement) and 16.48.050 (height limits); City of Stockton, "Fence Regulations – Residential" handout (setbacks and traffic sight areas). This is general information and not legal advice. Confirm with the City of Stockton Planning Division for your address.