Fence permits in Santa Monica are regulated under the zoning code. Front yard fences, walls, and hedges are limited to 42 inches (3.5 ft). Height modifications up to 4 ft above limits available through administrative review; greater increases require a Director hearing.
Under SMMC Β§9.21.050, fences must comply with height limits and hazardous visual obstruction rules (Β§9.21.180). For side or rear fences exceeding the 8-foot limit, the Director may grant a modification of up to 4 additional feet if: the adjacent parcel owner(s) sharing the common property line agree, provide verification of ownership, execute a notarized letter, and consent to recording the modification with the LA County Recorder. Existing nonconforming fences may be registered and modified up to 50% above the registered height under Β§9.43.080. Fences within 5 feet of a driveway or intersection must be under 24 inches to maintain visibility per Β§9.21.180.
Non-compliant fences may be subject to removal orders, administrative citations, and fines. Unpermitted height modifications may require restoration to compliant height.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code Β§30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC Β§4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle permit requirements.
See how Santa Monica's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.