Long Beach, CA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Shared Cost
- CA Civil Code §841
- Spite Fences
- Over 10 ft = private nuisance
- State Law
- CA Civil Code §841.4
- Disputes
- Civil matter between neighbors
Summary
Boundary fences in Long Beach follow CA Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requiring shared cost. Spite fences over 10 ft built to annoy neighbors are a private nuisance under CA Civil Code §841.4.
(a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b) (1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or necessary replacement of the fence. (2) Where a landowner intends to incur costs for a fence described in paragraph (1), the landowner shall give 30 days’ prior written notice to each affected adjoining landowner.
Full Breakdown
Under LBMC Chapter 21.43, to construct a common property line wall or fence without a valid survey from a Licensed Professional Surveyor or Civil Engineer, the City of Long Beach requires consent of all affected property owners through the Form-013 Common Property Line Wall/Fence Agreement. Where the wall, footings, and other attachments or supports are entirely located within the builder's property, the Form-013 agreement is not required. Wall height between private properties is measured from the average grade of both sides of the wall per LBMC 21.43.020. A 6-foot corner cutoff may be required for walls adjacent to driveways and sidewalks that obstruct visibility for safety purposes. California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) also applies, requiring neighbors to share equally in the cost of maintaining a common boundary fence unless one party chooses a higher standard.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence on or over a property line without proper consent or survey may result in code enforcement action and potential civil liability. Disputes may be resolved through the Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) mediation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for a fence between neighbors in Long Beach?
What are the rules about shared fences in Long Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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