Fence Installation Recommendations in Los Angeles

Visit Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety authorities to meet with the people who retain dominion over rules and regulations covering fence and hedge construction. Save time and stress by calling or visit the agency’s website to obtain a list of codes covering fencing regulations. Turn that list over to your contractor -- just in case he’s new in town and isn't up to speed.

Drop by your community municipal offices, too, since community entities often have fencing laws on the books that are unique to neighborhoods. Learn whether they apply in your case. Contact your homeowners' association if you can’t recall where you put the rulebook they handed you at your closing to check fencing covenants you agreed to when you moved in.

Apply for a fence installation permit in accordance with Title 26, Section 106.1 of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. Secure more than one permit if you’re planning to install more than one fence – such as a hedge, wall or another architectural statement that approximates a fence. Obtain your permit(s) from the Los Angeles County field office that’s closest to your home by visiting the information page located on the L.A. County website. Bring your checkbook.

Comply with pool fencing laws if you’re constructing a perimeter fence to keep strangers from accessing your pool area. Encircle the perimeter of your pool with a safety fence that’s connected to a self-closing, self-latching gate so you can secure the facility when your pool isn’t in use. Contact your homeowner’s insurance broker or agent to find out whether additional locks and alarms associated with the installation of your perimeter fence are required to keep your premium costs down and indemnify you against lawsuits should an accident occur within the boundaries of your pool fence.

Stick up for your rights. If you require a fence that transcends legal limits imposed by your community, zoning, building or other municipal entities, emulate Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, whose Getty House residence qualified for a height extension based on Los Angeles Police Department and the Office of Homeland Security recommendations. Make your case for a taller fence by petitioning for a zoning variance. Amass evidence to support your request and you could get your extra height without winding up on Charlotte Laws’ or anyone else's website.