Permit Requirements: Altadena vs Compton
How do permit requirements rules compare between Altadena, CA and Compton, CA?
Altadena and Compton 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 →Compton, CA
Los Angeles County
Fence permits in Compton are not required for masonry fences under 5 ft or wood fences under 6 ft. Fences exceeding these heights require a building permit. All fences must comply with Chapter 30 zoning regulations for setbacks and height in yard areas.
View full Compton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Compton |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 ft | No building permit needed | - |
| Over 6 ft | Permit required | - |
| Front Yard | May need DRP approval | - |
| Corner Lot | Special visibility requirements | - |
| Masonry Exempt | - | Under 5 ft |
| Wood Exempt | - | Under 6 ft |
| Permit Required | - | For taller fences |
| Zoning Review | - | May be needed for front yard |
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.
Compton FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Compton?
Fence permits in Compton are not required for masonry fences under 5 ft or wood fences under 6 ft. Fences exceeding these heights require a building permit. All fences must comply with Chapter 30 zoning regulations for setbacks and height in yard areas.
How much does a fence permit cost in Compton?
Masonry Exempt: Under 5 ft. Wood Exempt: Under 6 ft. Permit Required: For taller fences. Zoning Review: May be needed for front yard.
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