Fence Regulations in Los Angeles, CA
Do I Need a Permit?
Answer a few quick questions to find out if your project requires a permit in Los Angeles.
This tool provides an estimate only. Always verify with your local planning department.
- No specific material restrictions; must be solid, lattice, chain-link, etc.Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- 6 feetLos Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 91.106.4.1
- Fence may be placed on the property lineLos Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- 3.5 feetLos Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- Prohibited above 3.5 feet within the triangular areaLos Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- Permit required: Fence over 6 feet in height requires a building permit; also any fence in the public right-of-way
Important: This page provides an informational summary of Los Angeles's municipal code. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before taking action.
Contact the Los Angeles Planning Department at https://planning.lacity.gov/ to confirm current rules.
Notice: Our data for Fence Regulations in Los Angeles may be incomplete. We recommend verifying all requirements directly with the Los Angeles Planning Department before taking action.
In Plain English
- No specific material restrictions; must be solid, lattice, chain-link, etc. — You can use wood, metal, vinyl, chain-link, or lattice – basically any standard fence material. Just make sure it's built as a solid or semi-solid fence. No barbed wire or electric fencing is mentioned, but stick with normal materials. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- 6 feet — If you want a fence taller than 6 feet, you need a permit from the city. Fences 6 feet and under generally don't need a permit (but always check if you're in a special zone). Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 91.106.4.1
- Fence may be placed on the property line — You can build your fence right on the property line, but make sure it's completely on your side. It's a good idea to get a survey first to avoid disputes. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- 3.5 feet — If you live on a corner lot, the fence along both streets (front and side) must be 3.5 feet or shorter. The other side yard can be 7 feet. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- Prohibited above 3.5 feet within the triangular area — On corner lots, you can't have anything over 3.5 feet tall in the 'visibility triangle' – that's the area near the intersection where drivers need to see each other. This includes fences, shrubs, or even parked cars. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- 3.5 feet — If you live on a corner lot, the fence along both streets (front and side) must be 3.5 feet or shorter. The other side yard can be 7 feet. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- 7 feet — If you live on a corner lot, the fence along both streets (front and side) must be 3.5 feet or shorter. The other side yard can be 7 feet. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- Yes, finished side must face outward — The 'good side' of your fence must face your neighbors or the street, not your own house. That means posts and rails go on your side. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2 (interpreted from general fence regulations)
- Required — Pool gates must automatically close and latch behind you. The latch must be high enough (45 inches up) that little kids can't reach it. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 91.3109.3
- 5 feet — If you have a pool, the fence around it must be at least 5 feet tall to keep kids and pets out. This is separate from your yard fence. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 91.3109.2
- 7 feet — If you live on a corner lot, the fence along both streets (front and side) must be 3.5 feet or shorter. The other side yard can be 7 feet. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
View Official Code Language (11 sections)
Fences may be constructed of any material provided it is of a solid, lattice, chain-link, or similar type construction; no specific material is prohibited.
A building permit is required for any fence exceeding six feet (6 ft) in height.
Fences may be erected on the property line, provided they do not encroach onto adjoining properties or public rights-of-way.
For corner lots, fences in the front yard and along the street-facing side yard shall not exceed a height of three and one-half feet (3.5 ft).
Within the triangular area formed by the intersection of two street curb lines or property lines at a corner, no fence or landscaping exceeding three and one-half feet (3.5 ft) in height shall be erected.
For corner lots, fences in the front yard and along the street-facing side yard shall not exceed a height of three and one-half feet (3.5 ft).
For corner lots, fences in the front yard and along the street-facing side yard shall not exceed a height of three and one-half feet (3.5 ft).
Fences shall be constructed so that the finished (more attractive) side faces adjoining properties or the public street.
All gates or doors in a pool fence shall be self-closing and self-latching with a release mechanism located at least forty-five inches (45 in) above the finished grade.
Every swimming pool shall be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least five feet (5 ft) in height.
For corner lots, fences in the front yard and along the street-facing side yard shall not exceed a height of three and one-half feet (3.5 ft).
All Areas
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Restrictions | No specific material restrictions; must be solid, lattice, chain-link, etc. | Fences must be constructed of standard fencing materials (wood, metal, masonry, etc.) Exception: Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences generally prohibited in residential zones unless specifically permitted | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2 |
| Permit Threshold Height | 6 feet | A building permit is required for any fence or wall over 6 feet in height Exception: Retaining walls may have different requirements | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 91.106.4.1 |
| Property Line Placement | Fence may be placed on the property line | Generally allowed on the property line or up to the property line Exception: Must comply with setback requirements; may require neighbor agreement if on common boundary | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2 |
Front Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Fence Height | 3.5 feet | Within the required front setback Exception: May be up to 7 feet if set back at least 5 feet from the front property line and not in a front setback with a required parking area | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2 |
Rear Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Fence Height | 7 feet | Within rear setback areas | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2 |
Side Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Fence Height | 7 feet | Within side setback areas | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2 |
Corner Lot
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Fence Height | 3.5 feet | Within the street side yard setback for corner lots Exception: May be up to 7 feet if set back at least 5 feet from the street side property line | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2 |
| Sight Visibility Triangle | Prohibited above 3.5 feet within the triangular area | At street intersections, a sight triangle is formed by measuring 25 feet from the intersection point along both street property lines, and connecting the endpoints Exception: Trees with limbs trimmed to a height of 8 feet may be allowed | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2 |
residential
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished Side Required | Yes, finished side must face outward | Fences with a finished and unfinished side: the finished side (smooth, decorative) must face the neighbor or street | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2 (interpreted from general fence regulations) |
| Pool Fence Gate Self Closing And Self Latching | Required | All gates providing access to pool enclosure must self-close and self-latch | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 91.3109.3 |
| Pool Fence Required Height | 5 feet | Pool or spa with depth of 18 inches or more must be enclosed by a fence or barrier Exception: Pool covers complying with ASTM F1346 may be alternative if no fence | Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 91.3109.2 |
Permit Information
When a permit is required: Fence over 6 feet in height requires a building permit; also any fence in the public right-of-way
Permit fee: — Fees vary by scope and valuation; contact LADBS for current fee schedule
Processing time: Typically same day for over-the-counter permit plan check; up to 3 weeks for comprehensive review if needed
Where to apply: Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
- Completed building permit application
- Site plan showing fence location, height, and property lines
- Fence elevation/section drawings
- Proof of property ownership or owner's authorization
- Plot plan showing dimensions and setbacks
Last verified: May 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the maximum height for a fence in my front yard in Los Angeles?
In a standard front yard, the maximum fence height is 3.5 feet (Sec. 12.21 C.2). For corner lots, the front and street-side yard also have a 3.5-foot limit.
Do I need a permit to build a fence in my backyard?
If your backyard fence is 6 feet or shorter, no permit is needed (permit threshold is 6 feet per Sec. 91.106.4.1). However, if you go over 6 feet, a permit is required.
My pool fence gate keeps swinging open – is that a code violation?
Yes. Pool fence gates must be self-closing and self-latching (Sec. 91.3109.3). The latch must be at least 45 inches above ground so children can't open it. Have a contractor adjust or replace the gate hardware.
I live on a corner lot – can I put a 6-foot fence along the side street?
No. For corner lots, the fence along the street-facing side yard must be 3.5 feet or shorter (sight visibility triangle rule, Sec. 12.21 C.2). The rear and opposite side yard can still have a 7-foot fence.
Source Citations
- Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2
- Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 91.106.4.1
- Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 12.21 C.2 (interpreted from general fence regulations)
- Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 91.3109.3
- Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 91.3109.2
Data last verified: May 31, 2026
Cite this page
APA
Home Code Guide. (2026). Fence Regulations in Los Angeles, CA. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from https://homecodeguide.com/ca/los-angeles/fence-regulations/
MLA
"Fence Regulations in Los Angeles, CA." Home Code Guide, May 31, 2026, https://homecodeguide.com/ca/los-angeles/fence-regulations/. Accessed May 31, 2026.
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