Los Angeles County, CA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cost Sharing
- Equal per CA Civil Code 841
- Spite Fence
- Over 10 ft is nuisance
- Hedges
- Same height rules as fences
- Notice
- 30 days before construction
Summary
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.
841. (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
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my neighbor have to pay for half the fence?
What if my neighbor won't pay their share?
What is a spite fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
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