Arcadia, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Section 9103.05.020 is one sentence: construction of new fences, walls and gates is subject to Site Plan and Design Review under Section 9107.19. Table 7-3 in § 9107.19.030 lists fences, gates, walls, trellises, gazebos and similar exterior work under "Other Residential Construction or Improvements" and again under "Other Nonresidential Construction or Improvements." In both rows the Director (Very Minor Review) column reads Decision, which § 9107.19.030 defines as review and decision by the Director with no public notice or hearing required. The Director (Minor Review) and Commission columns read Appeal, and any decision of the Commission is appealable to the Council under Section 9108.07.

The application follows § 9107.19.040. It is filed under Section 9107.03 with the material listed in the Department's Site Plan and Design Review handout and the fee in the Fee Schedule, and the applicant reimburses the City for its architectural and landscape design consultants before final approval. Within 30 days after a completed application is filed, the Review Authority must approve, approve with conditions or deny it (§ 9107.19.050). Building or Grading Permits, Business Licenses and Certificates of Occupancy are not issued until the requirements are met, and a permit issued in violation is void (§ 9107.19.020).

Other provisions of § 9103.05 feed into that review. The need for retaining walls or fences, and their heights, is determined by the Director and the Building Official through Site Plan Review, and an administrative modification is not required where there is a grade difference between abutting properties. Temporary construction fencing of chain link or wire type is allowed in the front and street side setbacks if it does not exceed six feet. In Specific Plans and Planned Developments, fence heights follow the plan. Single-family homes in City-designated homeowner's association areas skip the City's review under § 9107.19.020, but § 9107.20 requires a Design Review of fences and walls there instead.