Fences and walls in Sierra Madre: the local rules

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

What Sierra Madre's code says

Sierra Madre code What Sierra Madre's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot	Walls and fences up to 6 feet tall may be allowed. Applies: On through lots, within 25 feet of the secondary frontage property line, with a conditional use permit. § 17.48.130 · code text Walls and fences a maximum six foot in height may be permitted within twenty-five feet of the secondary frontage property line, with the approval of a conditional use permit pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 17.60. An open work fence or wall of up to 42 inches may sit on top. Applies: At the top of a retaining wall that holds fill, in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones. § 17.48.130 · code text Where a retaining wall contains a fill, the height of a protective open work fence or wall of not more than forty-two inches in height may be erected at the top of the retaining wall. An open work fence or wall up to 42 inches is always allowed on top, whatever the retaining wall height. Applies: On existing retaining walls in R-1, R-2 and R-3 when cut or fill is unclear. Height measured from the midpoint of both lots' elevations. § 17.48.130 · code text Regardless of the height of the existing retaining wall, an open work fence or wall of not greater than forty-two inches, as defined in subsection (E)(2) of this section, shall be permitted to be placed on top of the existing retaining wall.
Front yard height	Walls and fences can be at most 42 inches tall. Applies: In the required front yard setback in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones. § 17.48.130 · code text Walls and fences within the required front yard setback, as set forth in Sections 17.20.050, 17.24.050 and 17.28.100, shall not exceed a maximum height of forty-two inches. Walls and fences must be no taller than 42 inches. Applies: In the primary front yard of a reverse corner lot. § 17.48.130 · code text The wall or fence shall be reduced to forty-two inches within the primary front yard, as required in Section 17.48.130(A).
Side and rear yard height	Walls and fences can be at most 6 feet tall. Applies: On or next to interior side or rear property lines in R-1, R-2 and R-3. Reduced to 42 inches in the required front yard. § 17.48.130 · code text Walls and fences not in excess of six feet in height are permitted on, or adjacent to, the interior side or rear property lines. Walls and fences can be at most 6 feet tall. Applies: On or next to the secondary street frontage line of a reverse corner lot, except in the primary front yard and near driveways. § 17.48.130 · code text A wall or fence not in excess of six feet in height is permitted on, or adjacent to, the secondary street frontage property line except as follows:
Permit	Yes. A conditional use permit is required. Applies: For walls and fences within 25 feet of the secondary frontage property line on through lots. § 17.48.130 · code text Walls and fences a maximum six foot in height may be permitted within twenty-five feet of the secondary frontage property line, with the approval of a conditional use permit pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 17.60.

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How tall can a fence be in Sierra Madre?

R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones: fences at most 42 inches in the required front yard, 6 feet on interior side or rear lines.

Fences and walls in Sierra Madre

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What Sierra Madre's code says

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