Permit Requirements: Burbank vs Santa Clarita
How do permit requirements rules compare between Burbank, CA and Santa Clarita, CA?
Santa Clarita has fewer restrictions than Burbank.
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 →Santa Clarita, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Clarita exempts most standard residential fences from building permits. Chain link or wire fences under 12 feet, wood/vinyl/wrought iron fences under 6 feet, and block walls under 42 inches do not require permits. Fences in flood hazard zones require permits.
View full Santa Clarita rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Santa Clarita |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| No Permit | - | Most fences under 6 ft |
| Chain Link | - | Exempt up to 12 feet |
| Block Walls | - | Exempt up to 42 inches |
| Flood Zones | - | Permit required |
| HOA | - | Separate approval may be needed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Santa Clarita FAQ
Do I need a fence permit in Santa Clarita?
Not for standard fences under 6 feet (or chain link under 12 feet). Fences in flood hazard areas always require permits. Check if your HOA requires design approval.
Do I need a permit for a block wall in Santa Clarita?
Block walls up to 42 inches are permit-exempt. Taller masonry walls require a building permit with engineering for seismic and lateral load compliance.
Can I build a retaining wall without a permit in Santa Clarita?
Retaining walls up to 4 feet of exposed height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) and without surcharge loads are typically permit-exempt. Taller walls need a permit.
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