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.
Torrance, CA
Amplified sound must not exceed 15 dBA above ambient at property lines. On Sundays/holidays, amplified sound limited to 10 AM-6 PM. Must stay 200 ft from chu...
Torrance, CA
Torrance prohibits dogs from barking, howling, or making loud noises that disturb the peace of residential neighborhoods under TMC §41.1.2. Animal Control ha...
Torrance, CA
Machinery and mechanical equipment must not produce noise exceeding specified levels above ambient at residential property lines under TMC Chapter 6.
Torrance, CA
Powered gardening equipment including leaf blowers may operate Mon-Fri and 9 AM-5 PM Saturdays. Prohibited Sundays/holidays. Homeowners exempt 10 AM-4 PM on ...
Torrance, CA
Torrance adopts LA County Code Title 10 for animal control. No breed-specific bans exist, but dangerous/vicious dog declarations follow county procedures.
Torrance, CA
Dogs must be licensed annually and kept under control at all times per LA County Code Title 10, adopted by Torrance. Rabies vaccination required.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Torrance's fence permits rules stack up against other locations.
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