Santa Monica, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

§ 3.36.240. Fences and walls. Fences and walls shall not be constructed or maintained in a manner which creates a hazard to life, health or safety. (a) Residential Zones. Fences and walls which are made of barbed wire, particularly strand or concertina wire; electrically energized fences or walls; and fences or walls with jagged edges, i.e., materials such as glass, nails or metal placed atop or partially imbedded in the structure, are prohibited. Wooden, stake or picket fences and pointed decorative metal fences are permitted. (b) Manufacturing ('M') and Commercial ('C') Zones. Fences and walls which are electrically energized and those with jagged edges, as above, are prohibited. Strand barbed wire is permitted above six feet. (c) Hardship Exemption. The Zoning Administrator and the Planning Commission on appeal, may approve a fence or wall of strand wire notwithstanding the requirements of this Section if the applicant proves the fence or wall does not constitute a hazard to children or other innocent persons and that maintenance of the fence or wall is necessary to prevent the exposure of persons or property to extraordinary risks of loss from crime or similar undue hardship. No exemption shall be given for the use of concertina wire, jagged edged or electrically energized fences.