Whittier, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Permits in Whittier are issued by the City's Building & Safety Division, not Los Angeles County. Per the City's Building & Safety FAQ, a building permit is required for a fence over 18 inches high, for a block wall 18 inches or more in height, and for retaining walls of any height. This is notably stricter than the statewide default: the California Building Code (2022 CBC Section 105.2) exempts fences up to 7 feet from a building permit, but cities may impose their own lower thresholds, and Whittier does. Separately, front-yard and street-side fences and walls go through a planning review under the City's Residential Walls & Fences program. Whittier has streamlined that review so proposals consistent with the pre-approved fence palette can receive over-the-counter approval; submittals that do not conform to the palette are referred to the Planning Commission. Proposals for a new or reconstructed fence, wall, or retaining wall on residentially zoned property require a building permit. Because both a zoning/planning check and a building permit may apply, confirm the full process with Whittier Community Development (562-567-9320) before starting work.