A few things to consider before you install a fence in Azusa. These are general guidelines — always confirm current requirements with the City before you start.
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Front Yard Height
Azusa limits fences, walls and hedges in the front setback to 42 inches, including columns, pilasters and gates. Wood fencing is prohibited on a lot perimeter except at that 42-inch front or street-side height, and chain link or wire mesh may not be used on the perimeter of any residential property or anywhere visible from the street. Barbed, razor and concertina wire are banned citywide.
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Side & Rear Yard Height
Interior side and rear setbacks allow 6 feet, measured from the finished grade at the base of the fence, and from the lower side where grades differ. On a slope the retaining wall is capped at 4 feet with a 6-foot fence on top; a combined height over 6 feet needs a minor use permit and can never exceed 9 feet.
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When You Need a Permit
Fences up to 6 feet and retaining walls up to 4 feet (measured from the bottom of the footing) do not need a building permit in Azusa, but every fence, regardless of height, needs a zone clearance from the Planning Division first. Taller fences, over-height exceptions and combined wall-and-fence structures must be engineered and permitted through the Building Division.
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Corner Lots & Sight Lines
At a street corner Azusa keeps a 15-foot sight triangle measured from where the extended front and side curb lines meet, with 10-foot triangles on each side of every driveway. Nothing taller than 42 inches is allowed inside without the City Engineer's approval, and a street-side fence is limited to 36 inches within the corner cut-off and 6 feet elsewhere.
Good to Know
If your home is part of an HOA, check your community's CC&Rs before installing — many HOAs add their own material and height rules on top of the City's. Building a pool or spa? California's Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §115922–115923) requires at least two independent, approved drowning-prevention features, such as a 60-inch enclosure. Fence codes can change, so we always recommend confirming current requirements with the Azusa Economic and Community Development Department before you start. Have questions about your property?
Contact Legacy Fence and we'll help you sort it out.
Source: Azusa Municipal Code §§88.30.020 and 88.30.040(E); City of Azusa Economic and Community Development Department.
