Permit Requirements: Burbank vs Santa Monica
How do permit requirements rules compare between Burbank, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Burbank and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
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 Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Fence permits in Santa Monica are regulated under the zoning code. Front yard fences, walls, and hedges are limited to 42 inches (3.5 ft). Height modifications up to 4 ft above limits available through administrative review; greater increases require a Director hearing.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | SMMC §9.21.180 |
| Department | Community Development | - |
| Front Yard Max | - | 42 inches (3.5 ft) |
| Modification | - | Up to 4 ft above limit (admin) |
| Greater Increase | - | Director hearing required |
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 Monica FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Santa Monica?
Fence permits in Santa Monica are regulated under the zoning code. Front yard fences, walls, and hedges are limited to 42 inches (3.5 ft). Height modifications up to 4 ft above limits available through administrative review; greater increases require a Director hearing.
How much does a fence permit cost in Santa Monica?
Front Yard Max: 42 inches (3.5 ft). Modification: Up to 4 ft above limit (admin). Greater Increase: Director hearing required. Code: SMMC §9.21.180.
Compare other topics
See how Burbank and Santa Monica compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool