Fence Cost Sharing

In order to be good neighbors with adjoining property owners, Valley Water has established a policy to contribute towards the cost of the replacement or installation of wooden or chain link fencing between Valley Water land and adjoining properties.

If you wish to have Valley Water share in the cost of replacing or installing a fence between your property and Valley Water's, please fill out the Application for Cost Sharing for Good Neighbor Fencing and email it to [email protected], or mail a hard copy to:

Community Projects Review Unit
Santa Clara Valley Water District
5750 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA 95118-3686

Please note that a Valley Water permit must be obtained prior to the start of construction in order to qualify for cost sharing.

The conditions for cost sharing are:

Valley Water's share of the cost is half of the cost of the new fence, up to $28.75 per linear foot. This is based on the market rate for installation of chain link fences. The cost of any upgrades will not be shared.
Construction of the fence must meet all local ordinances and requirements. It is the property owner's responsibility to determine which regulations are applicable.
For properties with an existing chain link fence, Valley Water reserves the right to decline the fence cost share.
The fence construction must conform to the drawings and specifications for fences that are included in the application.
Barbed wire, points, broken glass, or other hazardous features may not be placed on or near the fence.
Maintenance of the fence is the responsibility of the property owner. Any alterations or modifications to the fence must have prior written approval from Valley Water.
The fence must be located within your property and along the common property line. Encroachment onto Valley Water property
is not allowed. See fence construction details.
Access on to Valley Water property is not allowed, unless a permit has been obtained prior to construction of the fence.
Any fences constructed along Valley Water property may not incorporate gates.
All debris and trash resulting from the demolition of the previous fence or construction of the new fence must be removed from Valley Water property.
The life expectancy of a fence is 20 years. Valley Water will not cost share for a replacement fence within this time period except under special circumstances.
Valley Water reserves the right to decline to cost share, and may at its own cost install a chain link fence or other fencing as appropriate.