Arcadia, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Fence height is measured from the lowest adjacent grade to the uppermost part of the fence or wall (§ 9103.05.030.A). Side and rear setback areas allow six feet, provided no part of the fence, wall or gate extends into the required front setback. Where the grade differs between properties, a wall or fence is allowed up to six feet next to the rear and side property lines if it sits back a distance equal to the grade difference.

Front setbacks are tighter. Table 3-2 sets maximums by zone, with decorative fences, columns and caps at 4 ft in R-M and 3 ft in R-1. In R-M and R-0 a solid wall along the interior side property line can enter the front setback up to four feet, and fences must be of open work design with a minimum of four inches between vertical and horizontal members. In R-1 a solid decorative masonry base can run up to eight inches, and an interior side solid wall up to three feet. Flag lots in R-2, R-3-R and R-3 cannot have fences, walls or gates; in R-M and R-0 the front limit is four feet, and in R-1 it is three feet.

Corner lots can have fences, walls and gates up to six feet in the required street side setback, measured at the street side property line, set back at least 18 inches from that line with irrigated decorative landscaping in between. In R-2 and R-3 those fences also go through Site Plan and Design Review.

In commercial zones the front limit is three (3) feet along the front property line in open design, a gate across a court setback opening or a fence around an outdoor dining area needs a minimum of 50 percent transparency, and rear and interior side setback fences are limited to six feet. The visibility rule in § 9103.01.070 caps every fence, wall and shrub at three feet within 25 feet of an intersection, and § 9103.05.030.A.5 subjects all fences to it.