Open metal fence does something a board fence cannot do in Sacramento: it lets you go taller in front. City Code section 17.620.110 holds most front yard fences to 4 feet, but a decorative open wrought iron or tubular steel fence may reach 6 feet. For a home on a busy street in Midtown, Oak Park or East Sacramento, that is often the only way to get real security at the sidewalk without closing off the house.
Aluminum and steel look alike from the street and behave differently. Aluminum does not rust, comes with a baked-on finish and suits most yards and pools. Steel is stiffer and harder to bend or cut, so it is the pick for a driveway gate, a long span or a property that has had break-ins. Sacramento's dry air is easy on steel compared with the coast, but lawn sprinklers are not. A steel fence that gets wet every morning needs a galvanized base under the paint.
Dark metal gets very hot in a valley summer. That does no harm to the fence, but it is worth knowing if small children will be holding the gate. On the estimate visit we measure the line, check for a grade change, since panels must be a rackable type on any slope, and look at where a gate will swing. We also check whether your address is in the city, the county or a historic district, because each has its own rule for the front yard.
Aluminum & ornamental steel in Sacramento: common questions
How tall can a metal fence be in a Sacramento front yard?
Inside the city, an open decorative wrought iron or tubular steel fence may be up to 6 feet under City Code 17.620.110, where a solid fence is limited to 4 feet. In unincorporated areas the county allows wrought iron up to 7 feet in a front yard. We confirm which rule covers your address.
Does aluminum fence rust or fade in the valley heat?
Aluminum does not rust. The powder coat finish can lose some gloss after many years of strong sun, and it is easy to wash. Steel can rust where the coating is chipped, so we touch up cuts and scratches when we install it.
Can ornamental fence be used around a pool?
Yes, if the panel meets the state barrier rule: at least 60 inches tall, no more than 2 inches of space under it, and no opening that a 4-inch ball can pass through. The gate has its own requirements. Tell us it is for a pool when you call.
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.