Long Beach Fence and Garden Wall Height Regulations
In residential districts of the City of Long Beach, fences and garden walls located in the side and rear yards are generally limited to a maximum height of 6 feet 6 inches. This allowable height increases to 8 feet when the property line abuts a nonresidential use, an alley, or a major arterial/regional corridor, while commercial and industrial districts may permit heights up to 12 feet in certain yard areas [Table 43-1].
Residential District Height Limits
For properties zoned for residential use within the City of Long Beach, fence heights are determined by their location on the lot and the nature of the adjacent property. While front yard fences are strictly limited to 3 feet, the side and rear yards (classified as "other yard area") allow for taller structures to ensure privacy and security [Section 21.43.020].
Table 43-1: Fence and Garden Wall Height Limits
| Zone District | Yard Location / Condition | Maximum Permitted Height |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Front yard | 3 ft. |
| Residential | Other yard area (Side and Rear) | 6 ft. 6 in. |
| Residential | Outside of required yard area | 10 ft. |
| Residential | Abutting a nonresidential district or use | 8 ft. |
| Residential | Abutting an alley, flood control channel, or public right-of-way (not a street) | 8 ft. |
| Residential | Abutting a major arterial or regional corridor | 8 ft. |
| Commercial / Industrial | Within required street frontage setback | 3 ft. |
| Commercial / Industrial | Abutting residential front yard | 3 ft. |
| Commercial / Industrial | Abutting residential side or rear yard | 8 ft. |
| Commercial / Industrial | Other yard area | 12 ft. |
| Institutional | Front yard | 3 ft. |
| Institutional | Other yard area | 8 ft. |
| All Zones | Corner cutoff area | 3 ft. |
Commercial and Industrial District Standards
In the City of Long Beach, commercial and industrial zones have higher allowances for fencing to accommodate the security needs of business operations. In "other yard areas" (those not within the street frontage setback), heights can reach up to 12 feet. However, when these districts abut a residential side or rear yard, the height is restricted to 8 feet to mitigate the impact on neighboring residents [Table 43-1].
Special Restrictions and Requirements
The City of Long Beach imposes additional specific regulations regarding materials and safety for all fences and garden walls:
- Corner Cutoffs: At any intersection of streets, driveways, or alleys, a "corner cutoff" is required to maintain visibility. Within this triangular area, no fence, wall, or obstruction may exceed 3 feet in height [Section 21.31.215.G].
- Prohibited Materials: Barbed wire and similar sharp-pointed fencing materials are strictly prohibited in the City of Long Beach. The only exception is for properties in the IM (Medium Industrial), IG (General Industrial), and IP (Port-Related Industrial) zones, where such materials may be used if located on top of a fence that is at least 6 feet high [Section 21.43.030].
- Measurement: Fence height is measured from the grade adjoining the fence on the public right-of-way side. For fences between two private properties, the height is measured as the average grade of both sides [Section 21.43.020].
- Special Fence Height Areas: The City Council may designate "special fence height areas" by resolution. In these areas, front yard setbacks may increase to 4 feet, provided the additional height is constructed of wrought iron or chain link [Section 21.43.020, Footnote b].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.215 - Yard requirements
- Section 21.43.020 - Height limits
- Section 21.43.030 - Prohibited fence and wall materials