Height Limits: Altadena vs Downey
How do height limits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Downey, CA?
Altadena and Downey have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Altadena CSD caps front-yard fences at 42 inches within 10 feet of the right-of-way (with open/non-view-obscuring design ≥80% transparency required for taller fences), and 6 feet beyond 10 feet from the right-of-way.
View full Altadena rules →Downey, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full Downey rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Altadena CSD 22.306.070.A.3 | Art. IX, Ch. 3 |
| Front (within 10 ft of ROW) | 42 in (or 6 ft if 80% open) | - |
| Front (>10 ft from ROW) | 6 ft | - |
| Side/Rear (Title 22.110.070) | 6 ft typical | - |
| Prohibited | Barbed wire, razor wire, broken glass | - |
| No Permit Needed | - | 42 inches or less |
| Side/Rear Max | - | 7 feet |
| Front Yard Max | - | 42 inches |
| Commercial Screen | - | 7 feet minimum |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
How tall can my front fence be in Altadena?
42 inches within 10 feet of the right-of-way line (or 6 ft if at least 80% transparent and supports 5+ ft apart). 6 ft beyond that under Altadena CSD 22.306.070.A.3.
Downey FAQ
How tall can a fence be in Downey?
Interior side and rear yard fences may be up to 7 feet. Front yard fences are limited to 42 inches. Fences 42 inches or less do not require a building permit.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Downey?
Fences 42 inches (3.5 feet) or less do not require a building permit. Taller fences require permits from the Building & Safety Division.
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