A few things to consider before you install a fence in Montebello. These are general guidelines — always confirm current requirements with the City before you start.
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Front Yard Height
Within the required front setback, Montebello caps any view-obscuring wall, fence or hedge at 36 inches. An open decorative fence such as wrought iron may go up to 6 feet in the front yard with City Planner approval for traffic sight distance, and chain link does not count as decorative. Materials visible from the street must be decorative masonry, quality wood, wrought iron or evergreen hedge; sheet metal, fiberglass and plastic sheeting are prohibited.
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Side & Rear Yard Height
Behind the rear line of the front yard, fences, walls and hedges may run 6 feet anywhere on the lot. On a reversed corner lot the street-side setback is treated like a front yard, so the 3-foot limit for solid fencing applies there. Where a wall retains fill at the lot line, the combined height still counts against the 6-foot limit, though an open fence up to 42 inches may be added on top.
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When You Need a Permit
Montebello's Building Code exempts wood or chain link fences up to 6 feet and masonry garden walls under 3 feet, measured from the top of the footing. Any block wall 3 feet or taller, any fence over 6 feet, and any wall supporting a surcharge needs a building permit. Electric fences are only allowed in commercial and industrial zones with Planning Director approval.
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Corner Lots & Sight Lines
Corner and reversed corner lots must keep a vision clearance triangle open, measured 15 feet from the corner along both the front and side lot lines. Nothing taller than 36 inches above established grade may sit inside it, and that includes retaining walls, hedges and shrubs, not just fences. Where a front-yard retaining wall sits above sidewalk level, it is limited to 3 feet with an open fence up to 42 inches on top.
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 Montebello Planning and Community Development Department before you start. Have questions about your property?
Contact Legacy Fence and we'll help you sort it out.
Source: Montebello Municipal Code §§17.10.130, 17.50.040 and 15.04.020; City of Montebello Planning and Community Development Department.
