Ornamental metal fits San Francisco's front yards better than any other fence, and the city's own rules are part of the reason. In the front setback a solid fence is limited to 3 feet, but a fence that is at least 75 percent open can go to 6 feet under the Planning Department's fence handout. A picket-style aluminum or steel fence meets that test, so it is the practical way to get real height and a lockable gate at the sidewalk without closing the house off from the street.
The choice between aluminum and steel comes down to salt and strength. Aluminum does not rust, which counts for a lot in the Sunset, the Richmond and anywhere near the bay shore, and its powder-coated finish needs only an occasional rinse. Steel is stiffer and harder to cut or bend, so it suits entry gates, garage-side gates and commercial frontages. In this air steel should be galvanized under its coating, and any scratch should be touched up before rust starts.
Steep streets change how the fence is built. Panels either rack, so the rails run with the sidewalk grade and the pickets stay upright, or they step down in level sections with a low wall or curb closing the gaps. Many San Francisco front fences sit on an existing concrete or brick curb, and we check that it is sound before anchoring posts to it. Matching the pattern of an older iron fence on a Victorian or Edwardian house is possible, and we bring samples to the estimate.
Aluminum & ornamental steel in San Francisco: common questions
How tall can a metal front fence be in San Francisco?
San Francisco Planning's fence handout allows up to 6 feet in the front setback when the fence is at least 75 percent open, which most picket-style metal fences are. A solid fence there is limited to 3 feet. Anything over 3 feet in the front needs a building permit from the Department of Building Inspection.
Will an aluminum or steel fence rust in the fog?
Aluminum does not rust. Steel will if bare metal is exposed, so near the ocean and the bay we use galvanized steel with a powder-coated finish and stainless or coated fasteners. Rinse the fence a few times a year and touch up chips.
Can a metal fence follow my sloped street?
Yes. Rackable panels follow moderate grades with the pickets staying vertical. On the steepest blocks the fence is stepped or made to measure, and the gate is hung so it clears the high side of the slope when it swings.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit, measure and talk through options.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with material choices side by side.
- Permits & planning: We check local rules and help with permits before we dig.
- Install & clean-up: Our crew installs, cleans up and walks the finished fence with you.