Fence Regulations in Los Angeles County, CA (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 19 cities in Los Angeles County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Height Limits

LA County Title 22 zoning code limits fences in unincorporated areas to 42 inches in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Fences under 6 feet generally do not require a building permit but may need Regional Planning approval.

LA County Fence Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Permit Requirements

Fences under 6 ft do not require a building permit in unincorporated LA County. Fences over 6 ft require permits from Building & Safety. Department of Regional Planning approval may be needed depending on fence location (front yard, corner lot). Block walls over 6 ft always require permits.

LA County Unincorporated Fence Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Neighbor Fence Rules

CA Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) applies in unincorporated LA County. Adjoining property owners share boundary fence costs equally. The spite fence doctrine (CC 841.4) applies to fences over 10 ft built to annoy neighbors. Hedges serving as fences are subject to the same height restrictions.

LA County Unincorporated Fence Neighbor Rules

Some Restrictions

California Civil Code Sec. 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act — Shared Responsibility for Boundary Fences)

841. (a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b) (1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls in unincorporated LA County under 4 ft from footing to top are exempt from building permits unless supporting a surcharge. Walls in required yards cannot exceed 6 ft. In coastal areas, retaining walls must be terraced and landscaped with native species before the rainy season (Oct 15-Apr 15).

Los Angeles County Retaining Wall Regulations

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Pool Barriers

Pool barriers in unincorporated LA County must comply with CA Building Code Title 24 Chapter 31. Minimum 60-inch barrier height with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature required. LA County Building & Safety inspects compliance.

Los Angeles County Pool Barrier & Fencing Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code Sec. 115920 & 115923 (Swimming Pool Safety Act — Pool Barrier Standards)

115920. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Swimming Pool Safety Act. ... 115923. An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics: (a) Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool, and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. (b) A minimum height of 60 inches. (c) A maximum vertical clearanc...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Material Restrictions

Fence materials in unincorporated LA County are regulated under Title 22. Standard fencing materials (wood, masonry, chain link, wrought iron) are permitted. Barbed wire is restricted in residential zones. In coastal areas, slopes with retaining walls must be landscaped with native species.