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El Monte · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in El Monte

El Monte limits front-yard fences to 4 feet, or 5 feet if at least 50% open, and most other areas to 6 feet.

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Key points

  • Fence height: El Monte limits front-yard fences to 4 feet, or 5 feet if at least 50% open, and most other areas to 6 feet.

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

What El Monte's code says

El Monte code What El Monte's code adds
Corner visibility
  • Solid fences, walls and hedges no higher than 42 inches.
    Applies: Residential zones; in the corner visibility triangle (20 feet along both curb lines from the intersection) or on a corner lot.
    § 17.60.120 · code text
    Solid fences, walls and hedges located in the corner visibility triangle area or a corner lot shall not exceed a height of forty-two (42) inches.
  • A fence up to 4 feet high.
    Applies: Residential zones; corner visibility triangle or corner lot. The fence must be at least 50% open, decorative wrought iron with decorative block pilasters.
    § 17.60.120 · code text
    However, a maximum four (4) foot high fence may be constructed, provided it is a minimum fifty (50) percent open and made of decorative wrought iron with decorative block pilasters.
Front yard height
  • Solid fences, walls and hedges no higher than 4 feet.
    Applies: Residential zones; in the front yard or less than 5 feet from a street side yard.
    § 17.60.120 · code text
    Solid fences, walls and hedges located in the front yard or less than five (5) feet of a street side yard shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet.
  • A fence up to 5 feet high.
    Applies: Residential front yard or under 5 feet from a street side yard; at least 50% open decorative wrought iron with decorative block pilasters.
    § 17.60.120 · code text
    However, a maximum five (5) foot high fence may be constructed, provided it is a minimum fifty (50) percent open and made of decorative wrought iron with decorative block pilasters.
Side and rear yard height
  • Fences and walls no higher than 6 feet.
    Applies: Residential zones; all parts of the lot except the front yard, street side yard and corner areas.
    § 17.60.120 · code text
    Fences and walls shall not exceed a height of six (6) feet.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in El Monte?

El Monte limits front-yard fences to 4 feet, or 5 feet if at least 50% open, and most other areas to 6 feet.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific El Monte property

Ask GoCodebook how El Monte's fences and walls rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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El Monte Municipal Code — full text