Los Angeles, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

LAMC § 12.22 C.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. Material-specific rules follow: subparagraph (6), 'Masonry and Concrete Walls,' requires that any masonry or concrete fence or wall over three and one-half feet in height be built in accordance with LAMC § 91.106.1, 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.

Chainlink gets its own carve-out under subparagraph (2): an unobstructed chainlink fence up to ten feet high is allowed in all yards of the A and R zones, but only when the Department of Building and Safety requires it under LAMC §§ 91.3303 and 91.6103 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.

Anyone planning a masonry or concrete wall over 3.5 feet should expect to pull a building permit and show § 91.106.1 compliance before Building and Safety signs off.