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Lakewood · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in Lakewood

In residential zones, city code limits fences to 42 inches in front yard setbacks and 7 feet 6 inches in rear yard setbacks.

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Key points

  • Fence height: In residential zones, city code limits fences to 42 inches in front yard setbacks and 7 feet 6 inches in rear yard setbacks.

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

What Lakewood's code says

Lakewood code What Lakewood's code adds
Side and rear yard height
  • Up to 8 feet tall without Development Review Board review.
    Applies: Rear property line of lots next to the West San Gabriel River Open Space, between Shadeway Road and Carson Street; city design standards apply.
    § 9384 · code text
    said walls, fences, or hedges placed on the rear property line abutting the West San Gabriel River Open Space Area may be maintained without review by the Development Review Board to a height of eight feet (8')
  • Walls, fences and hedges can be no more than 7 feet 6 inches tall, unless the Development Review Board approves.
    Applies: Residential zones: required rear yard setback, or side yard setback not next to the front yard setback.
    § 9384 · code text
    In any residential zone, any wall, fence, or hedge shall not be more than seven feet six inches (7' 6") in height, unless otherwise approved by the Development Review Board (DRB) and when located within the required rear yard setback area or that portion of any side yard setback area that is not adjacent to any portion of the required front yard setback area.
Front yard height
  • Walls, fences and hedges can be no more than 42 inches tall.
    Applies: Residential zones: required front yard setback, or side yard setback next to any part of the front yard setback.
    § 9384 · code text
    In any residential zone, a wall, fence, or hedge when located within the required front yard setback area or within any side yard setback area adjacent to any portion of the front yard setback area shall not exceed an overall height of forty-two inches (42")
Permit
  • A City Planning Commission permit is required.
    Applies: Barbed wire, other sharp pointed fencing, or electrically charged wire.
    § 8014 · code text
    No barbed wire or other sharp pointed fence or electrically charged wire shall be erected, maintained or constructed in the City unless a permit for the same has been issued by the City Planning Commission

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Lakewood?

In residential zones, city code limits fences to 42 inches in front yard setbacks and 7 feet 6 inches in rear yard setbacks.

General information, not legal advice.

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

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