Height Limits: Los Angeles vs San Diego
How do height limits rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA?
Los Angeles and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Front yard fences max 3.5 feet in R zones (42 inches). Side/rear yard fences up to 8 feet on lots 40+ feet wide; 6 feet on narrower lots. LAMC §12.22.C.20(f).
View full Los Angeles rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
SDMC Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 3 limits open fences to 6 feet in required yards (front/side), increasing to 9 feet at the setback line. Solid fences in front yards limited to 3 feet. Rear yard fences up to 6 feet generally permitted. Height measured from the lower of adjacent finished grades.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Code | LAMC §12.22.C.20(f) | SDMC Ch. 14, Art. 2, Div. 3 |
| Front Yard (R zones) | 3.5 feet max (42 inches) | - |
| Side/Rear (lot ≥40 ft) | 8 feet max | - |
| Side/Rear (lot <40 ft) | 6 feet max | - |
| Permit | Required for fences >7 feet | - |
| Front Yard (Solid) | - | 3 feet max |
| Front Yard (Open) | - | 6 feet at property line |
| Rear/Side Yard | - | 6 feet |
| At Setback Line | - | Up to 9 feet (open) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
How tall can my fence be in los Angeles?
Front yard fences max 3.5 feet in R zones (42 inches). Side/rear yard fences up to 8 feet on lots 40+ feet wide; 6 feet on narrower lots. LAMC §12.22.C.20(f).
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in los Angeles?
Code: LAMC §12.22.C.20(f). Front Yard (R zones): 3.5 feet max (42 inches). Side/Rear (lot ≥40 ft): 8 feet max. Side/Rear (lot <40 ft): 6 feet max.
San Diego FAQ
How tall can my fence be in San Diego?
Front yard: 3 feet solid, 6 feet open. Rear and side yards: 6 feet. Open fences can increase to 9 feet at the building setback line under SDMC Ch. 14, Art. 2, Div. 3.
What is an 'open' fence in San Diego code?
An open fence is one that is at least 25% open (not solid), such as wrought iron, chain link, or picket fences with spacing. Open fences get higher height allowances in front yards.
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