Permit Requirements: Long Beach vs Santa Monica
How do permit requirements rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Long Beach and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
A fence permit is required in Long Beach for fences over 4 feet or retaining walls over 4 feet. Fences over 6 ft 6 in require engineered drawings. Planning Bureau review is required for location, height, and materials.
View full Long Beach 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 | Long Beach | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Threshold | Over 4 ft height | - |
| Engineering Required | Over 6 ft 6 in | - |
| Code | LBMC §18.05.030 | SMMC §9.21.180 |
| Review | Planning Bureau approval required | - |
| 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.
Long Beach FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Long Beach?
A fence permit is required in Long Beach for fences over 4 feet or retaining walls over 4 feet. Fences over 6 ft 6 in require engineered drawings. Planning Bureau review is required for location, height, and materials.
How much does a fence permit cost in Long Beach?
Permit Threshold: Over 4 ft height. Engineering Required: Over 6 ft 6 in. Code: LBMC §18.05.030. Review: Planning Bureau approval required.
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.
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