Santa Monica regulates fence materials under the zoning ordinance. Fences must be safe, structurally sound, and maintained per the property maintenance code. No more than 25% reflective material on building facades applies to walls/structures.
Under SMMC §9.21.050, front yard fences exceeding 2 feet must have open-work portions (allowing visibility through). Swimming pools within 30 feet of a property line require screening by a masonry wall or solid fence at least 6 feet on the side facing the property line. Fences must comply with §9.21.180 (Hazardous Visual Obstructions), prohibiting obstructions that block visibility near driveways, alleys, and intersections. No fence, wall, or hedge may be placed within 5 feet of a driveway/garage door intersection with the street-facing property line unless under 24 inches. Building materials must be appropriate for the residential character of the neighborhood.
Non-compliant materials or designs result in code enforcement action. Fences violating visual obstruction rules may be ordered removed or modified.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle material restrictions.
See how Santa Monica's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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