Fences and walls in Alhambra: the local rules

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

What Alhambra's code says

Alhambra code What Alhambra's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot	Fences, walls and dense hedges can be up to 6 feet tall. Applies: Not in the front yard, not within 5 feet of a street side line, and not within 25 feet of an intersection. § 23.12.050 · code text Fences, walls, dense hedges, and similar structures located on all other portions of a lot may be a maximum of six feet.
Front yard height	Fences, walls and dense hedges can be up to 3 feet tall, measured from finished grade. Applies: In the front yard. § 23.12.050 · code text Fences, walls, dense hedges, and similar structures may be a maximum of three feet high measured from finished grade when located within the front yard or within five feet of a street side property line. A retaining wall plus the fence on top can be no more than 6 feet tall in total. Applies: Where there is a retaining wall, the fence or wall itself can be at most 3 feet, measured from the grade of the retained soil. § 23.12.050 · code text In the event that there is a retaining wall, the maximum height of the fence or wall shall not exceed three feet, measured from the grade of the dirt for which the wall is retaining, but in no event shall the height of the retaining wall, together with the fence or wall, exceed six feet above sidewalk elevation.
Side and rear yard height	Fences, walls and dense hedges can be up to 3 feet tall, measured from finished grade. Applies: Within 5 feet of a street side property line. § 23.12.050 · code text Fences, walls, dense hedges, and similar structures may be a maximum of three feet high measured from finished grade when located within the front yard or within five feet of a street side property line.
Permit	Design review is required. Applies: Fences, walls, dense hedges and similar structures in front and street side yards. § 23.12.050 · code text Fences, walls, dense hedges, and similar structures located within front and street side yards are subject to design review pursuant to Chapter 23.33 and the following.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Alhambra?

Alhambra limits fences to 3 feet in front yards and near street side lines, 6 feet elsewhere except within 25 feet of an intersection.

Fences and walls in Alhambra

Key points

What Alhambra's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Alhambra property

More on building on your lot in Alhambra