Los Angeles, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Definition
- Fence/wall includes lattice, screen walls, hedges, thick shrubs
- Masonry threshold
- Over 3.5 feet needs LAMC § 91.106.1 compliance
- Chainlink cap
- Up to 10 feet, only when Building and Safety requires it
- Measurement
- Height measured from natural ground level adjacent
- Enforcement
- LA Department of Building and Safety
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail
Summary
Los Angeles Municipal Code defines exactly which materials count as a 'fence' or 'wall' in the A and R zones, lattice, ornamental fencing, screen walls, hedges, and thick shrub growth all qualify, and sets separate construction standards by material. Masonry or concrete walls over three and a half feet must be built to LAMC § 91.106.1 structural standards, while chainlink up to ten feet is allowed only when Building and Safety requires it.
(1) Fences and Walls. For the purposes of Article 2 through 6 of this chapter, the terms "fence" and "wall" shall include latticework, ornamental fences, screen walls, hedges or thick growths of shrubs or trees. Fence and wall height shall be measured from the natural ground level adjacent thereto. ... (6) Masonry and Concrete Walls. (Amended by Ord. No. 173,492, Eff. 10/10/00.) A masonry or concrete fence or wall over three and one-half feet in height shall be built in accordance with the provisions of Section 91.106.1 of this Code.
Full Breakdown
20(f) governs fences and walls in the A and R Zones and starts by defining the terms: under subparagraph (1), 'fence' and 'wall' include latticework, ornamental fences, screen walls, hedges or thick growths of shrubs or trees, with height measured from natural ground level. That broad definition means landscaping choices like a dense hedge are regulated the same way as a built wall. 1, the structural building-code provision for freestanding masonry walls, meaning taller masonry or concrete construction cannot simply be stacked without engineering review and a Department of Building and Safety permit.
6103 and Division 89 of Article 1 of Chapter IX, it is not a homeowner's free choice of material at that height. Ordinary wood, wrought iron, vinyl, and other non-masonry materials instead fall under the height limits set in subparagraphs (2) and (3) of the same section. 1 compliance before Building and Safety signs off.
Violations & Fines
Building a masonry or concrete fence or wall over three and one-half feet without meeting LAMC § 91.106.1's structural standards, or installing a chainlink fence over the allowed height without Department of Building and Safety authorization, is a Code violation. Under LAMC § 11.00(m), violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail, or continuing civil penalties up to $2,500 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a hedge count as a fence under Los Angeles zoning rules?
What material rules apply to a masonry or concrete wall in Los Angeles?
Can I install a chainlink fence taller than normal fence limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle material restrictions.