Los Angeles County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited materials
- Barbed wire, chain-link, spikes, barbs, razors
- Perimeter fencing
- Prohibited
- Wildlife-permeable requirement
- Required for most fences
- Non-permeable allowed only in
- Fuel Modification Zone A (~20 ft from structures)
- Applicability
- Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone
Summary
In the Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone (unincorporated LA County), barbed wire and chain-link fencing are explicitly prohibited, and fences must not use spikes, barbs, razors, or similar materials; most fencing must be wildlife-permeable.
I.Fencing that is non-wildlife permeable may surround the immediate development and extend no further than the outer extent of Fuel Modification Zone A (typically 20 feet from structures that require fuel modification), and shall be solely for safety purposes. Fencing shall be no more than six feet in height. Fencing that is wildlife permeable may extend no further than the outer extent of Fuel Modification Zone B (100 feet from structures that require fuel modification). K.Perimeter fencing of a parcel is prohibited. N.Fences and walls shall not be constructed of or topped with spikes, wire, barbs, razors, or any other similar material. Barbed-wire and chainlink fencing is prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Section 22.44.1310(N) bans construction of fences topped with or made from spikes, wire, barbs, razors, or any similar material, and explicitly prohibits barbed wire and chain-link fencing. Additionally, perimeter fencing of an entire parcel is prohibited. Most fencing must be wildlife-permeable to allow species to move through properties. Non-wildlife-permeable fencing is only allowed within Fuel Modification Zone A (typically within 20 feet of structures) for safety purposes, or for direct animal containment where a site-specific evaluation shows wildlife movement is not significantly impeded.
Violations & Fines
Prohibited fencing materials or fence configurations that block wildlife movement are subject to enforcement of Coastal Development Permit conditions, potentially requiring removal or replacement of the fence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chain-link fencing on my property in the Santa Monica Mountains?
Can I put barbed wire on top of my fence for security?
Can I fence my entire property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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