In Los Angeles, fences 6 feet or less do not require building permits. LAMC restricts front yard fences to 3.5 feet in residential zones. Side and rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet. Fences over 6 feet require a LADBS permit. Retaining walls combined with fences have specific height calculation rules.
The LA Municipal Code (LAMC) regulates fence heights by location on the property. Front yard fences in residential zones are limited to 3.5 feet (42 inches). Side yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. On corner lots, the street-side yard fence is treated as a front yard for height purposes. Fences 6 feet or less in height are exempt from building permits under the LA Building Code. Fences exceeding 6 feet require a LADBS building permit. For properties on slopes, fence height is measured from the higher of the two adjoining grades. Retaining walls and fences combined may not exceed 6 feet total from the lower grade in some cases. Materials are generally unrestricted (wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, block), but barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones. Razor wire is prohibited citywide except in industrial zones. Pool enclosure fences must be at least 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates per LAMC.
Building a fence exceeding height limits without approval may result in LADBS orders to comply with fines starting at $311. Fences in the public right-of-way may be removed by the city. Non-compliant pool fences can result in immediate enforcement due to drowning risk.
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