Fence Regulations in Santa Monica, CA

If you live in Santa Monica or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Santa Monica has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Fence Permit Requirements

Exceeding Santa Monica's standard fence or wall height limit requires a permit. Increases up to 4 feet above the limit in side/rear setbacks can be approved administratively with adjacent owner consent; larger increases require a discretionary hearing.

Key details: Administrative cap: Up to 4 feet above the standard height limit (side/rear setbacks only). Neighbor consent: Notarized letter required from all adjacent owners on the common parcel line. Recordation: Director's decision is recorded with the LA County Recorder on each adjoining parcel. Appealable?: No: administrative determination is final and not appealable. Discretionary route: Required when increase exceeds 4 ft above limit, or any change in front setback.

Zoning Ordinance violations are punishable as an infraction (fine up to $250) or a misdemeanor (fine up to $500 per violation or up to 6 months in county jail, or both). Each day of violation is a separate offense under Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.48.020.

The rules around fence permit requirements in Santa Monica lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Boundary fences in Santa Monica follow CA Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) for shared cost. Spite fences over 10 ft are a private nuisance under CA Civil Code §841.4. Disputes are a civil matter between neighbors.

Key details: Shared Cost: CA Civil Code §841. Spite Fences: Over 10 ft = private nuisance. State Law: CA Civil Code §841.4. Disputes: Civil matter between neighbors.

Disputes over non-compliant fences or encroaching hedges may be resolved through code enforcement action or civil litigation. The City may order modification of fences that create hazardous visual obstructions.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Santa Monica gives residents more flexibility on neighbor fence rules.

Height Limits

Front-yard fences, walls, and hedges are capped at 42 inches; side and rear fences and walls may be up to 8 feet, while hedges in those setbacks may reach 12 feet.

Key details: Front setback max (fences, walls, hedges): 42 inches. Front setback pergola max: 8 ft tall x 8 ft wide x 3 ft deep (one allowed). Side/rear fence and wall max: 8 feet. Side/rear hedge max: 12 feet (no limit near alleys). Height modification process: Chapter 9.43 Modifications and Waivers (side/rear only).

Fences exceeding height limits are subject to City code enforcement. Nonconforming fences not registered under prior interim ordinances must come into compliance and may be required to be reduced to the applicable height limit.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls four feet tall or less (measured from footing bottom to wall top) are permit-exempt in Santa Monica; taller walls require a building permit and must comply with seismic design standards, including a prohibition on wood construction for walls over four feet in Seismic Design Categories D, E, or F.

Key details: Permit-exempt height: 4 feet or less from bottom of footing to top of wall. Surcharge exception: Even a short wall needs a permit if it supports a surcharge or impounds flammable liquids. Wood prohibition: Retaining walls over 4 ft in Seismic Design Category D, E, or F may not be partially or wholly wood. Taller wall permit: Building permit required; must be designed per CBC Sections 1807.2.1–1807.2.4.

Building a retaining wall without a required permit constitutes a violation of Article 8 of the Municipal Code, punishable as an infraction (up to $250 fine) or misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine or up to 6 months jail). The Building Official may issue stop-work orders.

Material Restrictions

In residential zones, barbed wire (especially concertina wire), electrically energized fences, and fences with jagged edges such as glass or nails are prohibited; wooden, picket, and decorative metal fences are permitted.

Key details: Barbed wire in residential zones: Prohibited (including strand and concertina wire). Electric fences: Prohibited in all zones. Jagged-edge fences (glass, nails, metal): Prohibited in all zones. Strand barbed wire in M/C zones: Permitted above 6 feet. Wooden, picket, decorative metal fences: Permitted in residential zones.

Prohibited fences are declared hazards to life, health, or safety. The City may order removal and can pursue code enforcement action, infraction, or misdemeanor penalties.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Santa Monica gives residents more room on fence regulations. 2 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Santa Monica can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.