Fence Regulations in Hawthorne, CA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Hawthorne, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Hawthorne Municipal Code Chapter 17.48 allows fences, walls, and hedges up to 6 feet on any part of a lot. In the front yard or along a street frontage, the maximum is 3.5 feet within the required visibility triangle. Heights above 6 feet (up to 10 feet) require a fence conditional use permit.
Hawthorne Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Hawthorne requires a building permit for any fence or wall in any zone. Per the city's code, no fence or wall may be constructed in any zone classification without first obtaining a building permit, and the planning department reviews fences before construction. Fences over 6 feet need a fence conditional use permit.
Hawthorne Fence Permits
Heavy RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Hawthorne's code governs fence height, materials, and permits, but shared boundary-fence cost-sharing is governed by California Civil Code 841 (the Good Neighbor Fence Law). Adjoining owners are presumed to share equally in construction and maintenance costs, and 30 days' written notice is required before incurring costs.
Hawthorne Neighbor Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Hawthorne Municipal Code 17.48.020 addresses retaining walls. Where a retaining wall holds fill, its height is not counted toward fence height, but a fence above it cannot exceed 6 feet. A retaining wall protecting a cut on a lot line may be topped by a fence of the height otherwise permitted. A building permit is required.
Hawthorne Retaining Wall Rules
Some RestrictionsFence Requirements
Hawthorne fences must comply with Chapter 17.48: a building permit and planning review, height limits (6 ft general, 3.5 ft in the front-yard visibility triangle, 10 ft only by conditional use permit), open-view requirements above 18 inches, approved materials, and pool-enclosure standards. No electrified fences are allowed.
Hawthorne Fence Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Hawthorne restricts fence and wall materials. Permitted materials are wrought iron, wood, decorative block (slump stone or split face), brick, stone or stone veneer, or stucco matching the building. Chain link, wire mesh, and precision block (creating an 'industrial look') are prohibited. Electrified fences are not allowed.
Hawthorne Fence Material Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsApproved Materials
Approved fence and wall materials in Hawthorne are wrought iron, wood, decorative block (slump stone or split face), brick, stone or stone veneer, and building-matching stucco. Chain link, wire mesh, and precision block are not permitted under HMC 17.48.020. All fences require a building permit and planning review.
Hawthorne Fence Materials
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hawthorne city rules.
Fence Regulations in Los Angeles County →