Skip to content
SetbackIQ

Height limits in Los Angeles, CA

Building codes decide when you need a permit; zoning decides how tall you can go. Both are below, measured the way Los Angeles measures them.

Rules last checked by a person on October 19, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with Los Angeles before you build.

Citywide

ADU: Detached ADU height (minimum a city must allow)16 ft; 18 ft within 1/2 mile of major transit (+2 ft for matching roof pitch) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building
ADU: Attached ADU height (minimum a city must allow)25 ft or the house's height limit, whichever is lower
Fence: Front yard3 ft 6 in max
Fence: Side and rear yards6 ft max (8 ft on some lots)

Check your lot

What are you building?

Sources

  1. LAMC 91.106.2, Exceptions (Building Code; 2021 text, via LA City Planning). Checked 2026-10-20.
    91.106.2. EXCEPTIONS: Permit not required for: 1. Where the work regulated by this Code is valued at $500.00 or less... 5. Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below.
  2. LA Council File 25-1217, 2025 Building Code amendments (effective 1/1/2026). Checked 2026-10-20.
    Fences... masonry or concrete fences not over 3-1/2 feet high, and other fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over 10 feet high.
  3. 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
    Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
  4. 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
    Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
  5. 2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
    One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…
  6. HCD Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook (March 2026). Checked 2026-10-19.
    A setback of no more than four feet from the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an attached or detached ADU (Gov. Code, 66314(d)(7)).
  7. LADBS FAQ, Do I need a permit to build a fence?. Checked 2026-10-19.
    A permit is not required for any type of fence under 3'6" in height. A permit is required for a masonry or concrete fence over 3'6" in height, and for a fence of any other material over 10'0" in height.
  8. LADBS FAQ, What is the allowable fence height?. Checked 2026-10-19.
    In most residential areas, fences are limited to 3'-6" in height in the front yard and 6'-0 in the side and rear yards. Depending on lot size and location, the height limit may be increased to 8'-0 for the side and rear yards... Section 12.22 C 20 (f).
  9. LA City Planning, Fences and Walls up to 8 Feet in Height (LAMC 12.24 X.7). Checked 2026-10-19.
    Section 12.24 X.7... authorizes a Zoning Administrator to approve applications for fences and walls up to eight feet high located within the required front, side or rear yard.