Fence Regulations in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Santa Monica limits front yard fences to 42 inches (3.5 feet) and side/rear yard fences to 8 feet under SMMC §9.21.050. Ornamental attachments may add up to 12 inches.
Santa Monica Fence & Wall Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Fence permits in Santa Monica are regulated under the zoning code. Front yard fences, walls, and hedges are limited to 42 inches (3.5 ft). Height modifications up to 4 ft above limits available through administrative review; greater increases require a Director hearing.
Santa Monica Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNeighbor 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.
Santa Monica Fence Neighbor Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act)
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 Santa Monica over 4 ft in Seismic Design Category D, E, or F cannot be constructed of wood. Fence height on top of retaining walls is measured from lowest grade within 3-ft radius. Engineering required for significant walls.
Santa Monica Retaining Wall Regulations
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Pool barriers in Santa Monica must be at least 5 ft (60 inches) per SMMC §8.12.150 and CA Building Code. All pools, spas, hot tubs, and ponds with water 18+ inches deep must be enclosed. Self-closing, self-latching gates required.
Santa Monica Pool Barrier & Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Sections 115920-115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act - Definitions and Enclosure)
115920. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Swimming Pool Safety Act. 115921. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) "Swimming pool" or "pool" means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. "Swimming pool" includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited t...
Material Restrictions
Santa Monica regulates fence materials under the zoning ordinance. Fences must be safe, structurally sound, and maintained per the property maintenance code. No more than 25% reflective material on building facades applies to walls/structures.
Santa Monica Fence Materials & Design Standards
Some RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.
Fence Regulations in Los Angeles County →