Hawthorne, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Hawthorne is stricter than many California cities that exempt fences under 6 or 7 feet. Under Hawthorne Municipal Code Section 17.48.020, no fence or wall may be constructed in any zone classification without first obtaining a building permit. Fences and walls are also reviewed and approved by the planning department prior to construction to confirm height, materials, and location comply with Chapter 17.48. A fence conditional use permit from the planning commission is additionally required when a fence will exceed six feet (up to ten feet), and such heights are only allowed outside the front yard for crime prevention based on a Hawthorne Police Department recommendation. Permits are obtained through the city's Building and Safety and Planning divisions. Applicants typically submit a site plan showing the fence location relative to property lines, the required front-yard visibility triangle (Section 17.42.090), setbacks, and the proposed materials. By contrast, the California Building Code generally exempts freestanding non-masonry fences not over 7 feet from a building permit, but Hawthorne's local ordinance overrides that exemption and requires a permit for all fences and walls.