A few things to consider before you install a fence in Claremont. These are general guidelines — always confirm current requirements with the City before you start.
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Front Yard Height
Claremont keeps front and street-side setbacks low: fences, walls and landscape features there top out at 3 feet, and gates are held to the same height. A driveway gate must sit at least 20 feet back from the front or street-side property line or the sidewalk, whichever is closer. Posts, lamps and similar features taller than 3 feet must be at least 8 feet back from the property line and go through architectural review.
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Side & Rear Yard Height
Behind the front or street-side setback line, interior side and rear fences may run up to 6 feet. Going taller, up to 8 feet, takes a Special Use and Development Permit with a finding that the extra height is needed for privacy or safety. Height is measured from the higher side where grades differ, and no fence may exceed 10 feet measured from the low side.
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When You Need a Permit
Claremont sets a low bar for permits: the City amended the Building Code so only fences and walls up to 36 inches are exempt, meaning any 6-foot privacy fence or block wall needs a building permit. The City also removed the retaining-wall exemption, so plan on a permit for those at any height. Barbed wire is prohibited without a Special Use and Development Permit.
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Corner Lots & Sight Lines
Corner lots must keep an intersection visibility triangle clear, measured 20 feet along each property line from where the lines would meet at the corner. Inside that triangle nothing over 3 feet above the nearest street curb is allowed, whether fence, wall, shrubbery or a mound of earth. The street-side setback on a corner lot is treated like a front yard, so the 3-foot fence limit applies there too.
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 Claremont Community Development Department before you start. Have questions about your property?
Contact Legacy Fence and we'll help you sort it out.
Source: Claremont Municipal Code §§16.133.020, 16.130.050 and 15.04.020; City of Claremont Community Development Department.
