Mission Hills Fence Code Guide
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What to Know Before You Build A Fence In Mission Hills
There are very specific requirements for building a fence in Mission Hills. If you’re planning to install or replace a fence in Mission Hills, here’s what you need to know.
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Mission Hills?
Mission Hills requires a building permit for all fence projects, but the process goes beyond a standard permit application. Most fences must also be reviewed and approved by the city’s Architectural Review Board (ARB). The city does maintain a list of pre-approved fence styles for both wood and wrought iron. If your fence matches one of those styles, city staff may be able to approve it without a full ARB hearing. If your fence doesn’t match the pre-approved guide, it must go through the ARB for approval. You’ll need to submit a boundary pin survey marked with your proposed fence location and height, along with a bid sheet or contract indicating the fence height and the pre-approved style you’ve selected.
Height Restrictions
City staff can typically approve fences up to six feet tall, provided the fence is set back at least fifteen feet from the front plane of the house. Within fifteen feet of the front plane, fences must be four feet or shorter. The ARB can approve rear yard fences up to seven feet. Anything taller than that requires a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Side yard fences are limited to six feet. Height is measured from finished grade on the side facing the street or neighboring property to the highest point of the fence, excluding posts. Corner lot fences along the street side are limited to five feet for solid or partially open styles.
Placement Matters
No fence, wall, or gate, other than retaining walls, can be located closer to the street than the applicable building line of the lot. Fences must also be at least three feet from any other fence on the same property. When a fence is built on top of a retaining wall, the combined height cannot exceed the established height limits. The finished side of the fence must face outward toward the street and neighboring properties.
Design and Materials
Mission Hills has pre-approved styles for wood fences, steel fences, and wrought iron fences. If you want something outside those options, the ARB has to sign off on the materials and design. This is a community that pays close attention to aesthetics, so plan for that conversation early in the process.
Dog Runs and Sport Courts
Dog containment fences can be up to six feet tall but must enclose no more than one hundred square feet, be located in the rear yard at least ten feet from side and rear property lines, and be placed within an existing privacy fence. Sport court fences can be up to ten feet but must have at least fifty percent open area.
Bottom Line
At Jackson Fence, we’ve worked in Mission Hills and understand the ARB process, the pre-approved styles, and the attention to detail the city expects. We’ll file the permit for you and build a fence that meets every requirement. Give us a call for a free estimate.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Mission Hills fence regulations and ARB requirements can change. Always consult the official City of Mission Hills zoning regulations and the Building & Planning department before making any decisions about your fence project.
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