Is Planning Permission Required for Fencing Above 2 Metres High? (2024)

FAQs

What is the height limit for a fence in Los Angeles? ›

In Los Angeles the answer is not so simple, and depends on the location of the property. In most residential zones (R1 zones), the front yard fence can be 3.5 feet high, and the side and rear yard fences 8 feet high–if the width of the lot is 40 feet or greater ( 6 feet if less than 40 feet).

If you plan to install a fence that exceeds the six-feet height restriction, you will need to obtain a building permit from the City of San Jose. Additionally, if you live in a designated Preservation or Historic Landmark Area, you will need to obtain additional permits and approvals.

Do I need a permit for this? In the unincorporated Los Angeles County area, a freestanding fence or block wall may be constructed up to a height of six (6') feet without a permit. However, the Dept. of Regional Planning does have some restrictions on where that can be done.

Any shed under 10 feet in height from natural ground to highest point may have a side and rear setback of 5 feet. Any shed higher than 10 feet in height needs to follow zone setbacks. Sheds are not allowed in front setback.

Under California's Building Code, you must obtain a permit before building a fence that will be over 6 feet tall unless the top 2 feet of the fence will be barbed wire. For a front yard fence, the maximum height is 42 inches. For a backyard fence, the maximum height is 72 inches.

As a general rule, if the fence in your front garden is next to the road or footpath, it can only be one metre (3.2 feet) in height. Fencing in your back garden that separates your garden from your neighbour's can be a maximum of two metres (6.5 feet) in height – this includes any trellis topper.

Standard Privacy Fence Height

Privacy fences, by design must be tall enough to obstruct the view into your property. For that reason, privacy fences are typically between 6-8 ft. tall in residential areas. The maximum privacy fence height is 8 ft in most cases.

How Close To The Property Line Can I Build? Fences are typically built between 2 and 8 inches from the line between properties. Some areas will allow the building of fences directly on the property line, but in this case, you'll have to cooperate with your neighbor and potentially share the cost of the fence.

California Fence Height Laws—Know Your Limits

Generally speaking, California building codes set a maximum height restriction at 4 feet for front yard fences and 6 feet for backyards.

Contractors who violate the law are subject to disciplinary action by CSLB, including civil penalty assessments of up to $5,000 per violation, an order of correction that requires payment of permit fees and any assessed penalties imposed by the local building department, and suspension or revocation of the license.

What is the good neighbor fence law in California? ›

The Good Neighbor Fence Act in California establishes the principle of equal responsibility for building, maintaining, and repairing boundary fences between neighboring landowners. It promotes cooperation and fairness by ensuring that costs and responsibilities of fence ownership are shared equally.

You may need to obtain a permit before you're able to build a fence on your property. The height of your potential fence, the location of your property, and where on the property the fence is set to be built will determine if a permit is necessary.

A fence can be exactly on the property line if you have an agreement with your neighbor to build it there. This is sometimes called a “good neighbor fence”. Ideally you each pay half the cost, and you own the fence 50/50. You are each responsible for painting and maintaining your side.

One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, do not require a Building Permit (per California Building Code 105.2 "Work Exempt from Permit").

Sheds. If you're thinking about building a shed for tools or even a she-shed to escape the rest of the family, there are rules around these as well. Requirements in each city will be different but frequently, sheds can't be built closer than 5 feet from the rear property line or 2 feet from the side property line.

Residential Fence Heights in Los Angeles

In 1987, Los Angeles increased the legal fence height to 8 feet tall. (Don't get too excited). This was a big deal and the law still holds today. However, something to keep in mind, is that you can't just build an 8-foot fence anywhere on your property.

California Fence Height Laws—Know Your Limits

When it comes to fence installation in California, the sky is not the limit. At least, not without a permit. Generally speaking, California building codes set a maximum height restriction at 4 feet for front yard fences and 6 feet for backyards.

The standard height for fences is anywhere from 3-8 ft, depending on the use-case and fence location. Fences built to heights that are non-standard may require special permits or may incur additional costs if the contractor only has fence pickets that are pre-sized.

7 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) authorizes a Zoning Administrator to approve applications for fences and walls up to eight feet high located within the required front, side or rear yard of any lot, or on the side lot line along the street of a reversed corner lot in the A and R Zones as prohibited by LAMC ...