Chapter 20.310 — FENCES, WALLS, AND HEDGES
Stanton Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · Stanton
§ 20.310.010. Purpose. ¶
This Chapter provides regulations for the construction, design, approvals, and installations of any natural or artificial barrier of any material or combination of materials, erected to enclose or screen areas of land. (Ord. 1017, 2013)
§ 20.310.020. Applicability. ¶
A. Regulated fences/walls/hedges. The regulations in this Section apply to fences, walls, and hedges in all zones. For development in a Specific Plan (SP) zone or subject to a Planned Development Permit issued in compliance with Chapter 20.520 (Planned Development Permits), the height, location, and design of fences, walls, and hedges shall be determined by the specific plan development standards or the conditions of the planned development permit.
B. Exempt fences. The following fences shall not be subject to these regulations:
Fences required by State law to surround and enclose public utility installations; and
Chain-link fences enclosing public or private school grounds and playgrounds.
C. Nonconforming fences/walls. Legal nonconforming fences or walls shall comply with Chapter 20.620 (Nonconformities).
D. Illegal fences/walls. Illegal nonconforming fences and walls shall be subject to removal in compliance with Chapter 20.635 (Enforcement).
(Ord. 1017, 2013)
§ 20.310.030. Location and Height Standards. ¶
- A. Location and height standards. The location and height of fences, walls, and hedges shall be determined by the setback area for the zone in which the property is located as indicated in Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards). Table 3-3 (Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges) indicates the allowed location and height of fences, walls, and hedges subject to the required setback area(s) of the applicable zone. See Figure 3-9 (Types of Fencing - Open and Solid) and Figure 3-10 (Fence, Wall, and Hedge Location and Height).
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Examples of Open Fencing
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Examples of Solid Fencing Figure 3-9 Types of Fencing (Open and Solid)
Figure 3-10 Fence, Wall, and Hedge Location and Height
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| Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges | Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges | Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges |
|---|---|---|
| Location - See defnition of Setback Area in Article 7 (Defnitions) |
Maximum Height - See defnition of abutting and adjacent in Article 7 (Defnitions) |
Limitations (1), (2), (3) - See Section 20.310.050 (Fence Types and Materials Standards) |
| All Zones | ||
| Traffc Visibility Area | 30 in for solid fencing; 54 in for open fencing |
Section20.305.100 |
| Public utility electric distribution and transmission substations |
6 ft; 8 ft on side or rear not adjacent to a street |
Solid wall |
| Sports facilities (ball felds and tennis courts) |
12 ft | Court fencing set back at least 5 ft from lot line |
| Residential Zones (RE, RL, RM, RH) | ||
| Within Front Setback Area | Up to 42 in | Solid structures or plants |
| 42.1 - 54 in | Open fence, not obscuring more than 25% of vision through the vertical plane if in compliance with Section 20.310.050.F |
|
| Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges | Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges | Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Location - See defnition of Setback Area in Article 7 (Defnitions) |
Maximum Height - See defnition of abutting and adjacent in Article 7 (Defnitions) |
Limitations (1), (2), (3) - See Section 20.310.050 (Fence Types and Materials Standards) |
| Up to 60 in | Privacy screen of either a solid fence/wall if in compliance with Section 20.310.050.G. |
|
| Outside Front Setback Area | 6 ft | ● Open work structures or plants ● Combination of solid wall and wrought iron ● Solid, decorative masonry wall |
| Within Street-Side Setback Area |
Up to 30 in above nearest street curb elevation |
Only solid or open fence/wall in Traffc Visibility Area (Section20.305.090) |
| Up to 54 in above nearest street curb elevation |
Open fence and pilasters/columns, not obscuring more than 25% of vision through the vertical plane between 30 inches and 54 inches, if in compliance with Section 20.310.050.F. |
|
| Outside Street Side Setback Area |
6 ft; 8 ft if adjacent to nonresidential zone |
● Open work structures or plants ● Combination of solid wall and wrought iron ● Solid, decorative masonry wall |
| Within and Outside Rear and Interior Side Setback Area |
6 ft; 8 ft if RE and RL abutting RM, RH, public right-of-way, or nonresidential zone |
● Open work structures or plants ● Combination of solid wall and wrought iron ● Solid, decorative masonry wall |
| Commercial (CN, CG) and Mixed-Use Zones | ||
| Within Front Setback Area | Up to 42 in | Solid structures or plants |
| Outside Front Setback Area | 6 ft | ● Open work structures or plants ● Combination of solid wall and wrought iron ● Solid, decorative masonry wall |
| Within Street-Side Setback Area |
Up to 30 in above nearest street curb elevation |
Only solid or open fence/wall in Traffc Visibility Area (Section20.305.090) |
| Up to 54 in above nearest street curb elevation |
Open fence and pilasters/columns, not obscuring more than 25% of vision through the vertical plane between 30 inches and 54 inches, if in compliance with Section 20.310.050.F. |
|
| Outside Street Side Setback Area |
6 ft | ● Solid masonry ● Solid to a height of 42 in with open wrought iron above ● Open from ground |
| Within Rear and Interior Side Setback Area |
6 ft | Any solid, open or combination fence/wall |
| Adjacent to Residential Zones | 8 ft | Solid, decorative masonry wall |
| Industrial Zones (BP, IG) | ||
| Within Front Setback Area | Up to 42 in | ● Solid masonry ● Open work structures or plants ● Combination of solid wall and wrought iron |
| 42.1 in - 6 ft | Open fence, not obscuring more than 25% of vision through the vertical plane, with an allowance of pilaster/columns up to 6 ft, with a width no more than 2 ft, and separated a minimum of 12 ft |
|
| Outside Front Setback Area | 8 ft | ● Solid masonry ● Open work structures or plants ● Combination of solid wall and wrought iron |
| Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges | Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges | Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Location - See defnition of Setback Area in Article 7 (Defnitions) |
Maximum Height - See defnition of abutting and adjacent in Article 7 (Defnitions) |
Limitations (1), (2), (3) - See Section 20.310.050 (Fence Types and Materials Standards) |
| Street Side Setback Area | 8 ft | ● Solid masonry ● Open work structures or plants ● Combination of solid wall and wrought iron |
| Rear and Interior Side Setback Area |
8 ft | Any solid, open, or combination |
| Adjacent to any Residential Zone |
6 ft | Solid, decorative masonry wall |
| Open Space (OS) and Parks/Recreation (PR) Zones | ||
| Within Front, Street Side, Rear Setback Areas |
42 in | Within 20 ft of public right-of-way or as determined by Director |
| Within Interior Side Setback Area and Outside Front, Street Side, Rear Setback Areas |
8 ft | ● Solid masonry ● Open from ground ● Solid with wrought iron above |
| Public Institution (PI) Zone | ||
| Within Front Setback Area | Up to 42 in | ● Solid masonry ● Open work structures or plants ● Combination of solid wall and wrought iron |
| 42.1 in - 6 ft | Open fence, not obscuring more than 25% of vision through the vertical plane, with an allowance of pilaster/columns up to 6 ft, with a width no more than 2 ft, and separated a minimum of 12 ft |
|
| Outside Front Setback Area | 8 ft | ● Solid masonry ● Open work structures or plants ● Combination of solid wall and wrought iron |
| Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges | Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges | Table 3-3 Standards for Fences, Walls, and Hedges |
|---|---|---|
| Street Side Setback Area | 8 ft | ● Solid masonry ● Open work structures or plants ● Combination of solid wall and wrought iron |
| Rear and Interior Side Setback Area |
8 ft | Any solid, open, or combination |
Notes:
(1) Limitations shall not apply in the following circumstances:
a. Where a greater height is required by any other provision of this Zoning Code.
b. Where a greater height or type of fence, wall or hedge is required by condition of approval.
(2) Fences or walls in zones not specifically listed shall be reviewed by the Director based upon the use characteristics of the lot.
(3) A retaining wall less than 30 inches in height above finished grade may be located anywhere within a setback area.
(Ord. 1017, 2013; Ord. 1034 § 2, 2015)
§ 20.310.040. Height Measurement. ¶
A. Flat elevation. Fence height shall be measured as the vertical distance between the highest finished grade of the ground abutting either side of the fence and the top edge of the fence material. Adjacent grades shall not be artificially elevated in order to allow for a fence or wall that is higher than the allowable maximum height.
B. Sloping elevation or with retaining walls. For fences on sloping ground or on retaining walls, solid fence height of six feet may be allowed as measured from the up-slope property so long as a total height, inclusive of any retaining wall, does not exceed 10 feet as measured from the down-slope property. See Figure 3-11 (Maximum Height of Combined Fence and Retaining Wall).
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Figure 3-11
Maximum Height of Combined Fence and Retaining Wall
(Ord. 1017, 2013)
§ 20.310.050. Fence Types and Materials Standards. ¶
A. Prohibited materials. The use of barbed wire, electrified fence, or razor wire in conjunction with any fence, wall, roof, hedge, or by itself within any zone is prohibited, with the exception of barbed wire and/or razor wire in the General Industrial (IG) zone, unless required by any State or Federal law or regulation.
B. Barbed wire in IG Zone. The use of barbed wire and/or razor wire in the General Industrial (IG) zone may be allowed subject to the following conditions:
Barbed wire and/or razor wire shall not be used on fences or walls with a height of less than six feet as measured from the nearest ground level.
Barbed wire and/or razor wire may be installed or strung either horizontally in independent lines with established spreaders, or coiled or crossed. Horizontally-strung, coiled or crossed barbed wire and/or razor wire may be allowed only on interior side, rear, or front lot lines, except on lot lines readily visible from Beach Boulevard, Western Avenue, Dale Avenue, Orangewood Avenue, Katella Avenue, or Cerritos Avenue. For lot lines readily visible from any streets other than those indicated, horizontallystrung barbed wire and/or razor wire may be allowed and may be subject to screening requirements.
The Director shall approve the use of barbed wire and/or razor wire, the location, and the manner of installation before actual installation.
C. Chain link fencing in commercial and industrial zones.
Chain link fencing is allowed in all commercial and industrial zones only on interior side and rear lot lines if the fencing is not readily visible from a public right-of-way.
Chain link fencing with neutral colored slats may be used for outdoor storage areas in the General Industrial (IG) zone where not visible from, or adjacent to, a public right-of-way.
Landscape plantings of sufficient density and height for immediate screening shall be installed to screen the fence from public view.
Six-foot high chain link fencing is allowed at all lot lines for vacant commercial/industrial lots or buildings. The chain link fence shall be removed from the front yard and any other location adjacent to a public right-of-way at the time of development or occupancy.
D. Parking lot wall enclosure requirements. See Chapter 20.320 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards).
E. Retaining walls. Where a retaining wall protects a cut below the natural or finished grade, and is located on the line separating lots, the retaining wall may be topped by a fence, wall, or hedge of the same height that otherwise would be permitted at the location if no retaining wall existed.
- Where a retaining wall contains a fill or cut abutting a public right-of-way, the height of the retaining wall to retain the fill or cut should be considered as contributing to the allowable height of a fence, wall, or hedge; provided that a protective wall or fence not more than 42 inches in height may be erected at the top of a retaining wall, and any portion of the fence above the six-foot maximum height shall be an open-work fence.
r cut abutting a public right-of-way, the height of the retaining wall to retain the fill or cut should be considered as contributing to the allowable height of a fence, wall, or hedge; provided that a protective wall or fence not more than 42 inches in height may be erected at the top of a retaining wall, and any portion of the fence above the six-foot maximum height shall be an open-work fence.
- An open work fence shall mean a fence in which the component of solid portions are evenly distributed and constitute not more than 25 percent of the total surface area of the face of the fence, provided further, that the fence, wall, or hedge shall not be erected or maintained so that it obstructs the Traffic Visibility Area described in Section 20.305.100 .
F. Pilasters. Pilasters or columns up to 54 inches in height may be allowed under the following circumstances:
No more than two feet in width and spaced no less than every 12 feet apart from inside to inside of each.
Open-fence between pilasters/columns may be between 30.1 inches to 54 inches in height and shall not obscure more than 25 percent of vision.
Ornamental features or lights on gate pilasters shall not exceed 12 inches above the maximum allowable height of the pilaster or the height determined by the Design Review Committee.
Broken glass, barbed wire, and other sharp objects are not permitted on top of pilasters.
Fence conforms to the colors and materials that are compatible with the property and neighborhood.
Barbed wire, chain link, stakes, sharp edges, and electrical fences are prohibited.
G. Privacy screen. A privacy screen up to 60 inches in height may be allowed under the following circumstances:
Height of the privacy screen is taken from the highest point of the wall.
It is set back at least 10 feet back from the front lot line.
The privacy screen can be a solid fence/wall provided that the colors and materials are compatible with the property and neighborhood.
Barbed wire, chain link, stakes, sharp edges, broken glass, and electrical fencing are prohibited anywhere on a privacy screen.
H. Open fencing. Open fencing shall mean fencing with over 75 percent of the surface area between 30.1 inches from the ground level and the top of the fence is open for free passage of light and air and through which the area behind the fence is visible to public view. See Figure 3-9 (Types of Fencing - Open and Solid).
I. Solid fencing. Solid fencing shall mean fencing with 50 percent or less of the surface area open for free passage of light and air and designed to conceal the area behind the fence from public view. See Figure 3-9 (Types of Fencing - Open and Solid).
J. Masonry walls. Solid masonry block walls shall not be less than six inches in width. (Ord. 1017, 2013)
§ 20.310.060. Fence Permit and Review Procedures. ¶
A. Department review and approval required.
Any person proposing to install a new wall or fence or to replace or repair an existing wall or fence shall submit copies of the plans and details to the Director for review and approval. The submittal package shall include a plot plan drawn to scale, reflecting lot lines, adjacent public rights-of-way, driveways and existing buildings and structures. A dimensional detail of the proposed fence or wall shall also be provided reflecting the proposed materials and proposed height from existing and finished grade.
The Director shall approve the proposed fence or wall only if it is found to be in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Chapter. Replacement walls and fences shall meet current standards.
B. Building Permit required. A fence or wall shall be installed or constructed only following the issuance of a Building Permit.
(Ord. 1017, 2013)