A few things to consider before you install a fence in Sierra Madre. These are general guidelines — always confirm current requirements with the City before you start.
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Front Yard Height
Sierra Madre limits any wall or fence inside the required front setback to 42 inches, in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones alike. Decorative features such as an entry arbor or yard light may rise above 42 inches, up to 10 feet, as long as they stay clear of the corner vision triangle. Spiked fencing is banned in every zone and barbed wire is prohibited on residential property.
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Side & Rear Yard Height
Along interior side and rear property lines you can build up to 6 feet, dropping back to 42 inches wherever the fence enters the front yard. On a retaining wall that holds back a cut, a full-height fence may sit on top; on a wall retaining fill, only an open-work fence up to 42 inches (no more than 60 percent solid) is allowed above it.
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When You Need a Permit
Sierra Madre is stricter than most cities: a building permit is required for a new fence of any height, even a lightweight wood or vinyl one, and for any wall or fence that needs foundation work such as post footings, pilasters or mortared block. Only repairs to an existing lightweight fence are exempt. Hillside (R-H) lots also need Director approval of a fencing plan before permits are issued.
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Corner Lots & Sight Lines
Every corner lot must keep a vision-clearance triangle measured 15 feet along the front and street-side edges from the corner, where no fence, wall, hedge or shrub may exceed 42 inches. On a reversed corner lot the fence along the secondary street may be 6 feet, but the same clearance rules apply where a neighbor's driveway runs within 5 feet of your rear line.
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 Sierra Madre Planning & Community Preservation Department before you start. Have questions about your property?
Contact Legacy Fence and we'll help you sort it out.
Source: Sierra Madre Municipal Code §§17.48.130 and 17.48.100; City of Sierra Madre Planning & Community Preservation Department.
