PlainPermit

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Do I need a permit for a fence in San Francisco, CA?

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: high

No permit for fences under 6 ft at the rear and side lot lines at the rear of the property. Other fences, including 6 ft and taller, need a permit.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see DBI fee schedules. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.sf.gov/information/check-if-your-project-needs-permit

Where to apply

San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (PermitSF portal)

Permitting authority: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI). City and County of San Francisco. Planning Department review may be needed even when DBI does not require a permit, especially for exterior work.

Official sources

“Fences less than 6 feet (1829 mm) high located at the rear and side lot lines at the rear of the property.”

Source: https://www.sf.gov/information/check-if-your-project-needs-permit

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in San Francisco

Fence permits in other cities