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Palos Verdes Estates · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in Palos Verdes Estates

R-1 and R-M zones: fences at most 3 feet 6 inches in the street setback, and 6 feet 6 inches outside it.

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Key points

  • Fence heights: R-1 and R-M zones: fences at most 3 feet 6 inches in the street setback, and 6 feet 6 inches outside it.

Each rule below links to the section of the Palos Verdes Estates Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Palos Verdes Estates's code says

Palos Verdes Estates code What Palos Verdes Estates's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot
  • No more than 6 feet 6 inches.
    Applies: In R-1 and R-M zones, for fences and walls outside the minimum required setback next to a public street.
    § 18.32.010 · code text
    All other fences, walls or accessory structures shall not exceed six feet, six inches in height.
Front yard height
  • No more than 3 feet 6 inches.
    Applies: In R-1 and R-M zones, within the minimum required setback next to a public street. Alley setbacks are not included.
    § 18.32.010 · code text
    Any fence, wall or accessory structure in the minimum required setback adjacent to a public street shall not exceed three feet, six inches in height.
  • No more than 3 feet 6 inches on the street side and 6 feet 6 inches on the downhill side.
    Applies: For a fence, wall or accessory structure on a slope downhill from the street.
    § 18.32.010 · code text
    However, if a fence, wall, or accessory structure is located on a downhill slope from the street it shall not exceed three feet, six inches in height on the side facing the street and not exceed six feet, six inches in height on the downhill side of a slope.
Permit
  • A special permit may allow more height; the director may approve 6 feet 6 inches to 8 feet.
    Applies: The director's approval is for structures outside the street setback. Not needed if approved through other required approvals.
    § 18.32.010 · code text
    By the director, if he/she finds the wall, fence or accessory structure proposed shall not adversely affect any other property, for any wall, fence or accessory structure which is more than six feet, six inches but no more than eight feet in height and is not located within the minimum required setback adjacent to a public street.
  • A special permit from the planning commission.
    Applies: For structures outside the street setback over 8 feet, or inside the street setback over 3 feet 6 inches.
    § 18.32.010 · code text
    By the planning commission, if it finds the wall, fence or accessory structure proposed shall not adversely affect any other property, for:

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Palos Verdes Estates?

R-1 and R-M zones: fences at most 3 feet 6 inches in the street setback, and 6 feet 6 inches outside it.

General information, not legal advice.

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Palos Verdes Estates Municipal Code — full text