Fences under 6 feet in height do not require a building permit in unincorporated LA County. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls with fences, and fences in special zoning areas require permits. Front yard fences must not exceed 42 inches within the required setback.
Under LA County Building Code and Zoning Ordinance, a building permit is not required for fences and freestanding walls that are less than 6 feet in height in unincorporated areas. However, depending on location (front yard, side yard, back yard), the Department of Regional Planning may require additional review for compliance with zoning. Front setback fences are limited to 42 inches. Fences exceeding 6 feet require a building permit and structural engineering review. Retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top) also require permits; when a fence sits atop a retaining wall, the combined height may trigger permit requirements. In hillside management areas, additional height and design restrictions may apply. Pool barrier fences must meet California Building Code requirements (at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates).
Unpermitted fences over 6 feet may result in a notice of violation. The county may require removal, modification, or after-the-fact permit applications with double fees.
Downey, CA
Downey regulates leaf blower noise under its general noise ordinance. Gas-powered leaf blowers must comply with the 85 dBA construction equipment limit and o...
Downey, CA
Downey prohibits amplified music that exceeds ambient noise levels by more than 5 dBA at the property line. Quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM carry stricter lim...
Downey, CA
Industrial noise in Downey must not exceed established ambient levels by more than 5 dBA at the receiving property line. Corrective factors apply during dayt...
Downey, CA
California law (AB 1236) requires streamlined permitting for EV charging stations. Downey must provide expedited permits for residential EVSE installations. ...
Downey, CA
Driveway modifications in Downey require approval from Planning and possibly Engineering. Paving projects in the front yard area must meet development standa...
Downey, CA
Downey restricts oversized vehicle parking on public and residential streets. RVs must obtain permits under DMC 3182.5. Emergency parking allowed for 24 hour...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Downey's fence permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.