Before You Build in Montebello, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Montebello's Zoning Code does not exempt fences from review: a non-view-obscuring decorative fence in a front yard requires city planner approval under MMC 17.10.130, and electric fences require Community Development Planning Director approval. The state building code exempts fences not over seven feet from a building permit.

Under Montebello Municipal Code Section 17.10.130, a view-obscuring fence, wall or hedge in a required front yard may not exceed three feet (36 inches), while a fence, wall or hedge up to six feet is allowed behind the front setback line and along interior side and rear yards.

Montebello's Zoning Code (MMC 17.10.130) sets the height limits that apply to any boundary fence, but cost sharing between neighbors is governed by California Civil Code 841, the Good Neighbor Fence Law, which presumes equal responsibility and requires 30 days' written notice before incurring costs.

Montebello MMC 17.10.130 favors non-view-obscuring decorative fencing, such as wrought iron, in front yards where taller fences need city planner approval. Electric fencing is barred from residential zones, and pool barriers must meet state standards under CA H&S Code 115921.

Under Montebello MMC 17.10.130, a retaining wall may not exceed the fence height otherwise permitted, except that an additional non-view-obscuring fence up to 42 inches may be erected at the top of a retaining wall in fill situations. Within the corner vision-clearance area, retaining walls may not exceed three feet.

Montebello requires a building permit for in-ground pools, permanent spas, and most above-ground pools. The city adopts the California Building Code through Montebello Municipal Code (MMC) Title 15, Chapter 15.04, and permits are issued by Planning and Building Services.

Pools and in-ground spas in Montebello must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates that swing away from the pool, under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Section 115923) enforced through MMC Title 15.

Above-ground pools in Montebello need a building permit if 24 inches or deeper or holding more than 5,000 gallons under CBC Section 105.2. Even permit-exempt pools must still meet the California barrier rules by an enclosure or a removable ladder under Residential Code Appendix AX.

New and remodeled residential pools in Montebello must include at least two of seven drowning-prevention features from Health and Safety Code Section 115922(a) and anti-entrapment drain covers, enforced through building permit inspections under MMC Title 15.

Hot tubs and spas in Montebello are exempt from the 60-inch pool barrier if they have a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346, under Health and Safety Code Section 115925. Permanently installed spas still need building and electrical permits under MMC Chapter 15.04.

Montebello permits one ADU by right on residential lots, reviewed ministerially. The city's codified ADU section (MMC 17.10.280) predates recent state law, so California ADU Law (Gov. Code 66310-66342) now controls where the two conflict, including no owner-occupancy mandate.

Converting a garage into living space in Montebello requires permits and compliance with zoning. Converting a garage into an ADU is allowed ministerially, but a garage turned into unpermitted living quarters is a code violation subject to enforcement.

Montebello allows accessory buildings such as storage rooms, cabanas, and similar detached structures in residential zones as accessory uses. They must meet the zone's development standards for setbacks, height, and lot coverage, and larger sheds require a building permit.

Montebello requires covered off-street parking for homes, and in the R-A, R-1, and R-2 zones garages must have overhead doors. Carports as detached accessory covered parking must meet accessory-building setback and placement standards and cannot sit in front yards.

Montebello allows manufactured, mobile, and factory-built homes as single-family dwellings only if placed on a permanent foundation and meeting all residential zoning standards. A movable tiny house on wheels is not permitted as a permanent dwelling; a fixed tiny home may qualify as an ADU.

Open burning of trash, leaves, and yard waste is effectively banned in Montebello. The city adopts the 2019 California Fire Code, which requires a Fire Department permit for any open burning, and it sits in the South Coast Air Basin where residential open burning is prohibited.

Outdoor fire pits and recreational fires in Montebello follow the 2019 California Fire Code, adopted as Municipal Code Chapter 15.32 and enforced by the city's own Fire Department. Small recreational fires and approved portable fireplaces are allowed with clearances, but burning trash is prohibited.

Montebello has no citywide protected-tree ordinance, so removing a tree on private property generally needs no City permit. Trees in parkways, medians, parks, and the public right-of-way are City-owned and are removed only by the Public Works Tree Division.

Montebello's Tree Division (Public Works) maintains trees in parkways, medians, parks, and the golf course and trims right-of-way trees on request. Residents may not prune City trees. Private-tree trimming needs no permit, and neighbor branch disputes are civil matters.

Montebello's water is supplied by private retailers - chiefly San Gabriel Valley Water Company, plus California Water Service and others - not a single City utility. The City keeps a Water Conservation / Water Supply Shortage program in Municipal Code Chapter 8.29, and permanent statewide efficiency rules apply.