CA Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) applies in unincorporated LA County. Adjoining property owners share boundary fence costs equally. The spite fence doctrine (CC 841.4) applies to fences over 10 ft built to annoy neighbors. Hedges serving as fences are subject to the same height restrictions.
California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) applies in unincorporated LA County and presumes that adjoining landowners benefit equally from a boundary fence. Both neighbors share equal responsibility for maintaining or replacing a boundary fence. A property owner planning to build or replace a boundary fence must give the neighbor 30 days written notice including a description of the project and estimated cost. If the neighbor doesn't respond within 30 days, they are presumed to have agreed. Disputes can be resolved through mediation or small claims court.
The Good Neighbor Fence Act is a civil matter, not a criminal one. A neighbor who refuses to pay their share can be sued in small claims court for up to $12,500. The county does not enforce fence-sharing disputes. If a neighbor builds a spite fence (over 10 feet, built to annoy), it can be declared a private nuisance under Civil Code 841.4 and ordered removed.
Altadena, CA
LA County allows backyard chickens in R-1 zones in unincorporated areas (including Altadena) subject to coop setbacks under LA County Code Title 10 and Title...
Altadena, CA
LA County Code Section 10.32.010 prohibits dogs running at large in any public place or private property other than the owner's, unless restrained by a chain...
Altadena, CA
Trimming protected oak trees (≥8 in DBH) requires an Oak Tree Permit if the work enters the protected zone or removes >25% of crown. Street trees in the publ...
Altadena, CA
In Altadena's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, grass and weeds must be kept under 3 inches under LA County Fire Code Title 32 defensible-space rules.
Altadena, CA
LA County Fire's Brush Clearance program also functions as the weed-abatement ordinance — vacant and improved lots must keep weeds and grasses cut to under 3...
Altadena, CA
Outdoor watering in Altadena (served by Lincoln Avenue Water Co., Las Flores Water Co., Rubio Cañon, and Kinneloa Irrigation District) is limited to 2 days p...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle neighbor fence rules.
See how Altadena's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.