Gates measuring over 3.5' in height in a front yard require a Zoning Permit and must be at least 60% transparent. Gates over 6' in residential front yards are NOT permitted. Please review our Small Project Design Review Checklist (1-2 family dwellings(PDF, 111KB) | 3+ dwellings(PDF, 112KB) | commercial(PDF, 84KB)) for design guidelines specific to your project.
Please note that gates may not be constructed in the public right-of-way. You must provide a site plan showing the proposed location of your gate relative to the verified property lines and other built structures.
Wood and metal gates over 7' also require a Building Permit. Gates will need an electrical permit if it has a powered gate operator. The gate can't block any required stair, ramp, or door landings. Also, if the gate is on an egress path, it needs to be openable without a key, meet accessibility requirements, and will need panic hardware if the occupant load is high enough to require that.
In commercial and industrial zones, gates may be allowed up to 8' in height or in some cases up to 10' in height, and require Zoning Review. Some gates between 8' and 10' may also require a Zoning Permit.
EXEMPTIONS
For residential properties, the following gates do NOT require a Zoning Permit:
- Gates measuring up to 3.5' (42”) tall in a front yard
- Gates measuring up to 6' tall in a side yard or up to 8' in a backyard
For commercial and industrial zones, gates under 8' do NOT require a Zoning Permit, but do require Zoning Review.