A few things to consider before you install a fence in Norwalk. These are general guidelines — always confirm current requirements with the City before you start.
📏
Front Yard Height
Norwalk lets a solid wall, fence or hedge up to 6 feet sit anywhere on the lot except two places: within the required front setback the limit drops to 42 inches, and within the corner cut-off it drops to 30 inches. An open, non-view-obscuring fence taller than 42 inches in the front setback can be approved administratively by the Director of Community Development.
🧱
Side & Rear Yard Height
Outside the front setback, side and rear fences may run the full 6 feet with no extra approval. Going taller than 6 feet anywhere on the lot requires an administrative exception from the Director, who must find the added height will not harm public health, safety or welfare. The Building Code treats wood, chain link, tubular steel and masonry the same for the 6-foot threshold.
📋
When You Need a Permit
The Norwalk Building Code exempts wood, chain link and tubular steel fences and masonry walls up to 6 feet, so a standard privacy fence does not need a building permit, though it still has to meet the zoning height limits. Any wall or fence over 6 feet requires a building permit, and retaining walls over 4 feet, or any retaining wall within 30 inches of a property line or supporting a surcharge, need one too.
🚦
Corner Lots & Sight Lines
Corner lots must keep a corner cut-off area clear: a diagonal line between points 17 feet along the front and side lot lines from where they meet. Inside it nothing taller than 30 inches above curb grade is allowed, whether fence, tree, shrub or other obstruction. The City Engineer can modify that only where no traffic hazard results, and new corner construction may require dedicating the cut-off as a 15- or 25-foot radius.
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 Norwalk Community Development Department before you start. Have questions about your property?
Contact Legacy Fence and we'll help you sort it out.
Source: Norwalk Municipal Code §§17.03.300, 17.03.250 and 15.32.050.1; City of Norwalk Community Development Department.
