Permit Requirements: Altadena vs Burbank
How do permit requirements rules compare between Altadena, CA and Burbank, CA?
Altadena and Burbank have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Fences under 6 ft do not require a building permit in unincorporated LA County. Fences over 6 ft require permits from Building & Safety. Department of Regional Planning approval may be needed depending on fence location (front yard, corner lot). Block walls over 6 ft always require permits.
View full Altadena rules →Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Masonry/concrete walls up to 6 ft and other fences up to 7 ft are exempt from building permits. A fence exception permit is required for any fence exceeding standard height limits or other development standards. Applications go through Community Development.
View full Burbank rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Burbank |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 ft | No building permit needed | - |
| Over 6 ft | Permit required | - |
| Front Yard | May need DRP approval | - |
| Corner Lot | Special visibility requirements | - |
| Permit Exempt | - | Masonry/concrete up to 6 ft; other up to 7 ft |
| Exception Permit | - | Required for exceeding standards |
| Code | - | BMC Title 10, Article 19, Division 11 |
| Department | - | Community Development |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Do I need a permit for a fence in LA County?
No permit is needed for fences under 6 feet. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit from LA County Building & Safety. Front yard fences are limited to 42 inches in most residential zones.
How tall can my front yard fence be?
42 inches (3.5 feet) in most residential zones under Title 22. This ensures visibility for vehicles and pedestrians. Taller fences may be allowed on corner lots with specific setback compliance.
What about retaining walls?
Retaining walls over 4 feet from footing to top require a building permit and engineered plans. Multiple tiered walls designed to circumvent this limit are treated as a single wall for permit purposes.
Burbank FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Burbank?
Masonry/concrete walls up to 6 ft and other fences up to 7 ft are exempt from building permits. A fence exception permit is required for any fence exceeding standard height limits or other development standards. Applications go through Community Development.
How much does a fence permit cost in Burbank?
Permit Exempt: Masonry/concrete up to 6 ft; other up to 7 ft. Exception Permit: Required for exceeding standards. Code: BMC Title 10, Article 19, Division 11. Department: Community Development.
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