Residential Front Yard Fence Height Standards in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the standard maximum height for a fence or garden wall located within the front yard of a property in a Residential District is 3 feet. This height limit may be increased to 4 feet in specific areas designated by the City Council, provided the additional foot is constructed of open materials, or it may be extended up to 6 feet 6 inches in high-crime areas subject to an Administrative Use Permit and strict design criteria.
General Height Limitations
According to the City of Long Beach Municipal Code, fence and garden wall heights are measured from the grade adjoining the fence on the public right-of-way side [Section 21.43.020]. The following table outlines the specific height requirements for various residential conditions:
| Zone District / Location | Maximum Permitted Height |
|---|---|
| Residential District: Front Yard (Standard) | 3 feet |
| Residential District: Special Fence Height Area | 4 feet (1) |
| Residential District: High Crime Area | 6 feet 6 inches (2) |
| All Zones: Corner Cutoff Area | 3 feet |
(1) Requires the additional foot of height to be wrought iron or chain link [Table 43-1, Footnote b]. (2) Requires an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) [Table 43-1, Footnote f].
Exceptions and Special Provisions
Special Fence Height Areas
The City of Long Beach City Council may designate certain neighborhoods as "special fence height areas" via resolution. In these specific locations, the allowable front yard fence height is increased to 4 feet, provided that the portion of the fence exceeding 3 feet is constructed of open wrought iron or chain link to preserve visibility [Table 43-1, Footnote b].
High Crime District Exceptions
If a residential lot is located within a "high crime" area—defined as a district where the crime rate is 20 percent above the City-wide average—the City of Long Beach may permit taller front yard fences [Section 21.15.1338]. To qualify for a height increase up to 6 feet 6 inches, the property owner must obtain an Administrative Use Permit and meet the following conditions:
- The fence must be located on a lot containing a multi-family structure (3 or more units) or any residential use in an R-3 or R-4 zone [Section 21.52.231.5].
- The design must utilize open wrought iron or metal pickets [Section 21.52.231.5].
- The fence must allow for emergency egress and feature self-closing, self-locking gates [Section 21.52.231.5].
Corner Cutoff Areas
For residential properties located on corner lots in the City of Long Beach, the "corner cutoff area" (the triangular area at the intersection of two streets or an alley and a street) is strictly limited. No fence, garden wall, or vegetation is permitted to exceed 3 feet in height within this area to ensure traffic visibility and safety [Section 21.41.251, Section 21.43.020, Table 43-1].
Prohibited Materials
The City of Long Beach prohibits the use of certain materials for residential fencing. Barbed wire or similar sharp, protruding objects (such as those capable of cutting or puncturing) are strictly forbidden in all residential zones. Such materials are only permitted in industrial zones (IM, IG, and IP) when placed atop a fence that is at least 6 feet in height [Section 21.43.030].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.1338 - High crime.
- Section 21.41.251 - Driveways and curb cuts.
- Section 21.43.010 - Permitted.
- Section 21.43.020 - Height limits.
- Section 21.43.030 - Prohibited fence and wall materials.
- Section 21.52.231.5 - Fences in high crime districts.
- Table 43-1 - Fence and Garden Wall Height Limits.