A few things to consider before you install a fence in Monterey Park. These are general guidelines — always confirm current requirements with the City before you start.
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Front Yard Height
Monterey Park allows walls, fences and hedges up to 4 feet in the front yard of any residential lot, plus a decorative cap of up to 6 inches. Chain link is prohibited in required front yards in every R zone, and barbed wire, electrified fencing and chicken wire are banned everywhere. A retaining wall holding fill in the front yard may carry a fence only if the combined height stays within 4 feet from the front property line.
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Side & Rear Yard Height
Side and rear yard fences, walls and hedges may reach 6 feet, with the same 6-inch allowance for a decorative top. Retaining walls in side and rear yards may also be 6 feet, and where a wall holds fill, the retaining wall plus the fence above it may not exceed 6 feet measured from natural grade. A retaining wall protecting a cut within 3 feet of the property line may carry a full-height fence on top.
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When You Need a Permit
Residential fences in Monterey Park are reviewed by the Planning Division through its Residential Fence Regulations application before work starts. The City adopts the 2025 California Building Code without local changes to the exemption list, so a separate building permit kicks in for fences over 7 feet and for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing or supporting a surcharge.
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Corner Lots & Sight Lines
Monterey Park's code does not set a numeric sight triangle for fences. Instead, sight vision clearance must be maintained at every street and driveway intersection, subject to approval by the City Engineer, and corner lots must also respect the street-facing side setbacks in Table 21.08(E). Expect the Planning Division to check corner-lot fence plans for visibility before approval.
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 Monterey Park Community Development Department before you start. Have questions about your property?
Contact Legacy Fence and we'll help you sort it out.
Source: Monterey Park Municipal Code §§21.08.080(R) and 16.05.010; City of Monterey Park Community Development Department.
