Lakewood, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Rear/side yard max
- 7 ft 6 in
- Front yard/adjacent side yard max
- 42 inches
- Commercial/industrial max
- 8 feet
- School/park fences
- Up to 8 feet
- West San Gabriel River lots
- Up to 8 ft, no DRB review needed
- Driveway clearance
- Cannot narrow below 8 ft 6 in
- DRB discretion
- May approve greater height case by case
Summary
Lakewood caps a residential fence, wall, or hedge at 7 feet 6 inches in the rear yard and side yards that don't touch the front setback, but drops that limit to 42 inches anywhere within the required front yard or an adjacent side yard, under Municipal Code Section 9384(A)-(B); the Development Review Board can approve taller structures case by case.
A. Rear and Side Yard Setback Areas. In any residential zone, any wall, fence, or hedge shall not be more than seven feet six inches (7' 6") in height, unless otherwise approved by the Development Review Board (DRB) and when located within the required rear yard setback area or that portion of any side yard setback area that is not adjacent to any portion of the required front yard setback area. B. Front Yard and Side Yard Setback Areas Adjacent to Front Yards. In any residential zone, a wall, fence, or hedge when located within the required front yard setback area or within any side yard setback area adjacent to any portion of the front yard setback area shall not exceed an overall height of forty-two inches (42"), unless otherwise approved by the DRB.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4901715; v5 updated 2026-04-28; through 04-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 9384(A) sets the residential rear- and side-yard fence, wall, and hedge limit at 7 feet 6 inches, unless the Development Review Board approves more. Section 9384(B) drops that to 42 inches within the required front yard setback or any side yard setback adjacent to the front yard. Subsection C measures height from finished grade at each point along the fence's base, and lets a raised grade behind a retaining wall or berm carry a fence on top only if set back at least 6 inches from the raised edge's transitional line.
Subsection D allows a compatible-material height extension on an existing fence with Community Development Director approval. Subsection E lets the DRB approve extra height anywhere on findings of lot safety, light, air, open space, streetview, or aesthetics. Subsection F sets an 8-foot commercial and industrial standard and bars street-facing chain-link on developed commercial lots, though chain link remains allowed on industrial lots and to secure vacant or under-construction commercial lots not visible from the street. Subsection G exempts schools, public buildings, parks, and recreation areas up to 8 feet.
Subsection I lets properties backing the West San Gabriel River Open Space Area between Shadeway Road and Carson Street build up to 8 feet without DRB review if on-file material and color standards are met. Subsection J bars any fence from narrowing a driveway below 8 feet 6 inches. A related Front Yard Safety Standard at Section 9320(K)(1) separately caps structures and vegetation at 42 inches within a 15-foot driveway visibility triangle on residential lots, reinforcing the same sightline purpose.
Violations & Fines
A fence, wall, or hedge exceeding these limits without Development Review Board approval is a zoning violation enforceable under the Municipal Code's general penalty section, 1200, as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to the state misdemeanor maximum or up to six months in jail, or as a cited infraction with escalating fines for repeat violations. Under Section 9384(K), the Community Development Director may instead refer a noncompliant fence to a public hearing before the DRB or the Planning and Environment Commission to resolve neighborhood compatibility concerns before pursuing a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my backyard fence be in Lakewood?
Why is my front yard fence in Lakewood limited to 42 inches?
Can I build a taller fence if my Lakewood yard backs onto the San Gabriel River open space?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
How Lakewood compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Lakewood to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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