Fence Regulations in Burbank, CA (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for Burbank, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In Burbank's single-family R-1 zone, fences and walls are limited to 4 feet within the front-yard setback (6 feet for hedges), 6 to 8 feet within the street-facing side yard, and 8 feet elsewhere, all under Burbank Municipal Code Section 10-1-603 and Table 10-1-603(A).
4 ft front yard; 6-8 ft side; 8 ft rear (BMC 10-1-603)
Some RestrictionsBurbank Municipal Code Section 10-1-603(G)(1)(b)-(e) and Table 10-1-603(A)
b. The maximum allowed height of fences, walls, and hedges is as specified in Table 10-1-603(A). c. The height of a fence, wall, or hedge is measured from the highest abutting finished ground surface of the property upon which the fence, wall, or hedge is located. d. On sloped surfaces, portions of a fence, wall, or hedge may exceed the maximum height for the purpose of providing a stair step-d...
Permit Requirements
Under the California Building Code (adopted by Burbank), fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from a building permit, while Burbank's zoning code requires a planning-side Minor Fence Exception Permit (for over-height up to 6 ft) or Major Fence Exception Permit (over 6 ft) to exceed the standards in BMC 10-1-603 and 10-1-628.
Building permit over 7 ft; Fence Exception for over-height
Some RestrictionsBurbank Municipal Code Section 10-1-603(G)(4); California Building Code Section 105.2(2)
4. Exceptions. ... a. Any exceptions from the requirements of this Subsection G ... to allow a fence, wall, hedge, or other yard feature with a height of six feet or less as measured from the abutting finished ground surface may be granted through approval of a minor fence exception permit per Section 10-1-19200. b. Any exceptions ... with a height of greater than six feet ... may be granted th...
Neighbor Fence Rules
CA Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requires shared cost for boundary fences. Burbank allows fence exception permits for disputes. Spite fences over 10 ft are a private nuisance under CA Civil Code 841.4.
Burbank Fence Neighbor & Property Line Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Sec. 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act — Shared Cost and 30-Day Notice Requirement)
841. (a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b)(1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, m...
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls under 4 ft (bottom of footing to top) are permit-exempt unless supporting a surcharge. Front yard setback allows max 4 ft combined fence/retaining wall height. Only two retaining walls per front yard, min 8 ft apart (6 ft with Director approval). All downslope walls must be screened with vegetation.
Burbank Retaining Wall Regulations
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Pool barriers must be minimum 60 inches tall per CA Building Code Title 24, Chapter 31. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. At least one additional safety feature (pool cover, alarm, or self-closing doors) mandated under the CA Swimming Pool Safety Act.
Burbank Pool Barrier & Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Burbank Municipal Code 10-1-603 and 10-1-628 prohibit fences, walls, and hedges from being composed of dangerous wire (razor, barbed, electric, or similar), and Table 10-1-603(A) requires any portion of a front-yard fence or wall over 3 feet to use an open design that is at least 50% see-through.
Dangerous wire banned; front fence over 3 ft must be open
Some RestrictionsBurbank Municipal Code Section 10-1-603(G)(1)(a) and Table 10-1-603(A) Note (8)
a. Fences, walls, and hedges may not be composed, in whole or part, of dangerous wire types including, but not limited to: razor wire, barbed wire, electric wire, or any other similar wire type that may pose serious risk of injury. ... (8) In the front yard, any portion of the fence or wall exceeding three feet in height must utilize an open design. Open design means that for each one-foot sect...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Burbank city rules.
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