Usually not a building permit. As of October 2026, the City of Long Beach says wood, chain link, wrought iron and similar fences up to 6 feet 6 inches tall, and masonry walls up to 4 feet, are exempt. But the Planning Bureau must still approve every fence's location, height and material, and zoning height limits apply.
Updated October 2026
When does a fence need a building permit in Long Beach?
- Wood, chain link, wrought iron and similar fences over 6 feet 6 inches tall.
- Concrete, block, brick and other masonry walls over 4 feet tall.
Above those heights, the city asks for plans. For homes, that means engineering drawings or the manufacturer's installation instructions. For commercial properties, it means engineered drawings and line surveys. These are reviewed at the city's Development Permit Center. Add-ons like lighting or an automatic gate may also need an electrical permit.
If I don't need a permit, can I build anything I want?
No. The city is clear that even when no permit is required, every fence must follow the zoning rules, and the Planning Bureau reviews location, height and material in all cases. The city's application steps also list a Common Property Line Wall Fence Agreement, with each owner's signature notarized, plus a fence diagram with dimensions.
How tall can my fence be?
These limits come from Long Beach's zoning code, Table 43-1 (Chapter 21.43), as of October 2026:
| Where the fence goes | Height limit |
|---|---|
| Front yard setback | 3 feet (4 feet in a special fence height area if the extra foot is wrought iron or chain link) |
| Side and rear yards | 6 feet 6 inches |
| Side or rear yard next to a nonresidential district or use | 8 feet |
| Outside the required yard area | 10 feet |
| Corner cutoff (visibility) area, all zones | 3 feet; open chain link or wrought iron above 3 feet only if it doesn't block visibility |
Commercial and industrial lots have their own limits. See commercial and security fencing.
Can I use barbed wire?
Not at home. Long Beach bans barbed wire and other sharp fencing, except in the IM, IG and IP industrial zones on top of a fence more than 6 feet tall. Decorative wrought iron isn't part of the ban.
Do I need to call before digging post holes?
Yes. California requires excavators to contact 811 (DigAlert in Southern California) at least two working days, and no more than 14 days, before digging, so underground lines can be marked. Your fence contractor should take care of this before the first hole is dug.
What if I live outside Long Beach?
It depends on your city. Lakewood, Signal Hill, Seal Beach and Bellflower each have their own zoning rules, and HOAs can add more. Pool fences also follow state safety rules (see pool fences). We check the rules for your exact address before we finalize a design.
Where can I read the rules myself?
The City of Long Beach's Fences and Walls page and its permit FAQ are the best starting points. Rules change, so confirm with the city before you build. This page is general information, not legal advice.