Height Limits: Altadena vs Santa Monica
How do height limits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Altadena and Santa Monica 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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Altadena CSD 22.306.070.A.3 | SMMC §9.21.050 |
| 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 | - |
| Front Yard Max | - | 42 inches (3.5 feet) |
| Side/Rear Yard Max | - | 8 feet |
| Ornamental Extra | - | Up to 12 inches above max |
| Pergola Allowed | - | Up to 8 feet tall |
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.
Santa Monica FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Santa Monica?
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.
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in Santa Monica?
Code Section: SMMC §9.21.050. Front Yard Max: 42 inches (3.5 feet). Side/Rear Yard Max: 8 feet. Ornamental Extra: Up to 12 inches above max.
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