Burbank, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Burbank's zoning code addresses fence materials in two ways. First, BMC Section 10-1-603(G)(1)(a) (single-family) and Section 10-1-628(H)(1)(a) (multi-family) provide that fences, walls, and hedges 'may not be composed, in whole or part, of dangerous wire types including, but not limited to: razor wire, barbed wire, electric wire, or any other similar wire type that may pose serious risk of injury.' Second, Burbank imposes a transparency (open-design) standard in the front yard: under Note (8) to Table 10-1-603(A), in the front yard any portion of a fence or wall exceeding three feet in height must utilize an open design, meaning that for each one-foot section of fence or wall, at least 50% of the surface area is open and provides direct views through the fence or wall. A subsequent R-1 zone text amendment lowered this trigger so that in the front and street-facing side yards any portion of the fence exceeding two feet must use the open design. The same 50% open-design standard appears for multi-family lots in Note (8) to Table 10-1-628(A). Ornamentation on top of fences in the front yard may extend up to 18 inches above the fence (to a maximum of 5 feet 6 inches) if spaced at least 4 feet apart on center.