Permit guide

Do I need a permit for a fence in Los Angeles?

Updated October 2026

Usually not, if it is wood, vinyl, chain link or metal and stays within zoning height limits. In the City of Los Angeles, the main exceptions are masonry or concrete fences over 3½ feet and pool barriers. Every fence, permit or not, must still follow the Zoning Code, including height limits and any overlay rules.

Which fences need a building permit in Los Angeles?

• Masonry or concrete fences over 3½ feet. Block walls, brick walls and concrete walls taller than 3½ feet generally need a permit from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).
• Pool barriers. Fences that serve as the safety barrier around a pool or spa are reviewed with the pool's permit and inspections. See pool fences.
• Fences combined with retaining walls. A fence on top of a wall that holds back soil can change what is required. Ask before you build.

Is there an exemption for block walls with pilasters?

Yes, a narrow one. LADBS information bulletin P/BC 2014-080 describes masonry or concrete fence walls that do not need a building permit if they meet all of its conditions: no part over 6 feet, solid masonry between pilasters no taller than 3½ feet, pilasters built and spaced as the bulletin specifies, and lightweight material above the solid portion. The exemption does not apply to swimming pool barriers. If your design does not match the bulletin exactly, plan on a permit.

Which fences usually do not need a building permit?

Wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum and ornamental iron fences are generally exempt from a building permit in the City of Los Angeles. In practice, the limit that matters is zoning: 3 feet 6 inches in most residential front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. See how tall a fence can be in Los Angeles.

What if I want a taller fence than zoning allows?

Building over the zoning height limit requires zoning approval from the city, which is a separate and slower process than a building permit. Some areas are mapped as Fence Height Districts that allow taller, mostly open front-yard fences under set conditions. Specific plans, Historic Preservation Overlay Zones and HOA rules can be stricter than the base code.

Do other cities follow LA's rules?

No. Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank and Santa Monica are separate cities with their own building departments and zoning codes. Unincorporated areas fall under Los Angeles County. Check with the agency for your address.

So, do I need one or not?

Even when no permit is needed, the fence must be on your side of the property line or agreed with your neighbor, and clear of corner sight lines. We check the rules for your address as part of every estimate.