Santa Monica, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front setback max (fences, walls, hedges)
- 42 inches
- Front setback pergola max
- 8 ft tall x 8 ft wide x 3 ft deep (one allowed)
- Side/rear fence and wall max
- 8 feet
- Side/rear hedge max
- 12 feet (no limit near alleys)
- Height modification process
- Chapter 9.43 Modifications and Waivers (side/rear only)
Summary
Front-yard fences, walls, and hedges are capped at 42 inches; side and rear fences and walls may be up to 8 feet, while hedges in those setbacks may reach 12 feet.
A. Height. The maximum allowed height of fences, walls, dense hedges, and related structures is as follows. 1. Front Setbacks. Fences, walls, and hedges shall be limited to the maximum heights stated below within front setbacks. For the purpose of regulating the height of fences, walls, and hedges, the front setback area shall be considered to be the area between the front or street side parcel line and the nearest building wall or setback line, whichever is the shorter distance. a. Hedges, fences and walls: 42 inches in height. b. One pergola or similar feature: 8 feet in height and width and 3 feet in depth. Gates or doors are permitted within the frame of pergolas or similar features. 2. Side and Rear Setbacks. Fences, walls, and hedges shall be limited to the maximum heights stated below within side and rear setbacks. a. Fences and walls: 8 feet. b. Hedges: 12 feet, except that there is no height limit for hedges adjacent to and located within 10 feet of an alley, measured perpendicularly from the side or rear property line that is adjacent to the alley. 3. Height Modifications. A parcel owner may request a modification to the height limit of a proposed side or rear fence, wall, or hedge, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 9.43, Modifications and Waivers.
Full Breakdown
In the front setback the 42-inch limit applies to all fences, walls, and hedges; one pergola up to 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide with a 3-foot depth is permitted. In side and rear setbacks, fences and walls may reach 8 feet and hedges 12 feet (no height limit for hedges within 10 feet of an alley). The Downtown Community Plan Area imposes stricter rules: fences are prohibited at street-fronting parcel lines and must be 50% visually transparent above 42 inches behind the building frontage line. Owners may apply for a height modification for side or rear fences under Chapter 9.43.
Violations & Fines
Fences exceeding height limits are subject to City code enforcement. Nonconforming fences not registered under prior interim ordinances must come into compliance and may be required to be reduced to the applicable height limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front yard fence be?
Can I build an 8-foot privacy fence along my side or rear property line?
Can I get approval for a taller fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
How Santa Monica compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle height limits.