Fence Regulations in Downey, CA (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for Downey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Downey Municipal Code Article IX (Land Use) regulates fence and wall heights. Fences under 42 inches do not require a building permit. Interior side and rear fences may be up to 7 feet. Front yard and corner visibility restrictions apply.
Downey Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Fences over 42 inches require a building permit in Downey. Fences at or below 42 inches still need Planning and possibly Engineering approval. Street side yard fences up to 7 ft allowed with 3 ft setback from property line.
Downey Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) requires neighbors to share costs of boundary fences equally. Spite fences over 10 ft are a private nuisance under Civil Code 841.4.
Downey Neighbor Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Civil Code Sec. 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act - Shared Boundary Fence Costs)
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, ...
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls in Downey require building permits. Height is measured from the higher finished grade when lots differ in elevation. Retaining walls combined with fences must meet total height limits.
Downey Retaining Wall Regulations
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Pool barriers in Downey must meet California Building Code requirements: minimum 60-inch height with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature required (cover, alarm, or self-closing door).
Downey Pool Barrier & Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115920 (Swimming Pool Safety Act - Citation)
115920. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Swimming Pool Safety Act. (Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 925, Sec. 3.5. Effective January 1, 1997.) <input type="hidden" name="javax.faces.ViewState" id="j_id1:javax.faces.ViewState:7" value="z2oIfhrEPXXsCMox5mjkiMSaRpkGwIQKHRIpFD5yIFPP2GlCSlGKi6FEd092815DfkBPFIfjhTUhT0VFcMRJcymsNGkeG+eSAzhURbGxlHNIXfTKWeRWG6nblFzBESWvpeOI9QIYsCTZcWEWv/Vp8lJHW...
Material Restrictions
Downey restricts fence materials in certain zones. Chain-link fencing is prohibited in mixed-use and commercial outdoor dining areas. Residential fences must meet height and setback requirements.
Downey Fence Material Standards
Some RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Downey city rules.
Fence Regulations in Los Angeles County →