Cupertino requires a Fence Exception before a residential driveway gate goes in. Under Cupertino Municipal Code Section 19.48.040 (Roadway and Driveway Gates), a driveway gate in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones may be installed only after a Fence Exception is obtained at a public hearing, must be set back a minimum of 30 feet from the front or street-side property line, must be justified by demonstrated security or safety reasons, and needs its locking mechanism and location approved by the Fire Department. In the RHS hillside zone, meanwhile, gates on private roads and driveways are approved by the Director of Community Development after Fire Department consultation, a faster path. For fences generally: 3 feet max in the front setback, up to 7 feet elsewhere with no building permit, and 7 to 8 feet with a building permit plus written neighbor approval. RHS fence rules also protect wildlife movement corridors (Section 19.48.030(F)). Rules change and every lot is different, so we confirm the current requirements with the city and manage the approvals the gate and automation need.