Glendale Height Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Glendale's fence height regulations are found in Title 30 (Zoning) of the Municipal Code, with additional provisions in Chapter 30.27 for the Fence Overlay Zone. In standard residential zones (ROS, R1R, R1, R-3050, R-2250, R-1650, R-1250), no person may construct within the front street setback area any building, wall, fence, or structure beyond certain exceptions. Fences in the front setback area are generally limited to 42 inches in height. For apartment buildings, fences near streets cannot exceed 42 inches, while fences in other locations may reach up to 6 feet.

The Fence Overlay Zone (F) in Chapter 30.27 is specifically intended for certain neighborhoods in the North Glendale Community Plan area. Within this overlay zone, fences and gates in the street front or street side setback area must be on private property, at least 5 feet from the back of the street curb or roadway pavement, and cannot exceed 42 inches at any point. Fences and garden walls on top of retaining walls have a maximum height of 6 feet above the actual retaining portion.

In the Commercial Hillside (CH) zone, retaining walls have a maximum exposed height of 5 feet with up to three successive walls permitted (at least 5 feet apart, slopes not exceeding 2:1, combined height not exceeding 10 feet). All residential zones prohibit electrically charged fences and fences made of barbed wire, razor wire, chicken wire, or fiberglass. Chain-link fencing may be permitted if screened from view by vegetation, but is not allowed if visible from the adjacent public street.