How Tall Can Your Hedge Be? Height Rules in LA & Orange County

The short version: fence height is tightly capped in most Southern California cities — commonly 6 feet in side and rear yards and 42 inches in the front setback — but living hedges are usually regulated separately, and often more generously. This is why the tall green walls of Beverly Hills are legal while a 12-foot fence never would be.

The general pattern

Most LA-area municipal codes treat hedges under fence rules only in the front setback and near corners, where driver visibility triangles control. In side and rear yards, many cities allow hedges well above 6 feet outright, or treat them as landscaping rather than structures. Some cities — notably beach cities protecting views — are stricter.

The three checks before planting tall

One: your city's municipal code section on fences, walls, and hedges (search '[city] municipal code hedge height'). Two: corner visibility rules if your line approaches a driveway or intersection. Three: any HOA covenants, which can be stricter than the city. We flag the local rule for your city during the confirmation call before install day.

A note on view disputes

California has no general 'right to a view,' but several cities (and civil code on spite structures) create exceptions. If your hedge would block an ocean view in a view-ordinance city, plant diplomatically — or at least talk to the neighbor first.