Fences, Hedges And Coastal Compliance In Malibu

Planning a new fence or hedge in Malibu? One small choice can trigger big coastal-review headaches. You want privacy and safety without risking permits, delays, or enforcement. In this guide, you’ll learn height limits, when you need a Coastal Development Permit, how to protect public views, and what to expect on bluff or beachfront lots. Let’s dive in.

Malibu coastal basics

Malibu sits entirely inside California’s coastal zone, and the City operates under a certified Local Coastal Program. That means many fence and hedge projects count as development and can require a Coastal Development Permit. Start by reviewing the City’s Local Coastal Program overview to understand how state coastal rules apply locally. You can also review the Coastal Commission’s materials on when you need a CDP.

• City LCP overview: City of Malibu Local Coastal Program
• State guidance: California Coastal Commission CDP info

Fence and hedge height limits

Malibu’s code sets specific height limits by yard. In most front yards, fences or walls are limited to about 42 inches, while open or non-view-obscuring fencing can reach up to 6 feet. Corner side yards are typically 42 inches within 5 feet of the right-of-way and up to 6 feet if set back at least 5 feet. Interior side and rear yards generally allow up to 6 feet. Review the measurement rules and exceptions in the municipal code before you design.

• Height rules: Malibu Municipal Code/LIP yard and fence standards

When you need a CDP

Expect to seek a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) if your fence or hedge could affect public access, sits on a bluff or beachfront, or changes the site in a way that implicates coastal resources. Routine, compliant fences away from sensitive areas may proceed under local zoning, but you should confirm early with City Planning. The Coastal Commission treats placement of fencing and gates that change access as development.

• State guidance: California Coastal Commission CDP info

Protect public views and access

Malibu’s coastal policies protect public views from scenic roads, beaches, parks, and other public vantage points. Fences, walls, hedges, and landscaping should not block these views. On roadside, bluff-descending parcels, prioritize siting and low, permeable designs to preserve bluewater views.

• Visual-resource policy: Malibu LUP visual resources

Bluff and beachfront sites

Bluff-top areas carry stricter rules to protect stability, public access, and scenic resources. Typical bluff-top setbacks are around 100 feet from the bluff edge, sometimes reduced near 50 feet only with geotechnical support and heavy scrutiny. In bluff setbacks, choose low, removable, and visually permeable solutions instead of continuous solid walls. Shoreline protective devices like seawalls and revetments face strict tests under state policy and are allowed only under narrow criteria.

• Bluff policies: Malibu LUP bluff and setback guidance
• Shoreline protection policy context: Coastal hazards and shoreline devices

Fire safety and hedges

Fire-resilient design matters in Malibu. The City prohibits flammable hedges within five feet of structures, and recommended plant lists and spacing can affect species choice, placement, and maintenance. Plan for defensible space, avoid highly flammable species near buildings, and document expected mature heights to show your hedge will not block public views.

• Guidance: Malibu Fire-Resistant Landscaping

Pre-project checklist

• Confirm with City Planning whether a CDP is required. Share your site plan, yard location, and proximity to bluffs, beaches, public accessways, and scenic roads.
• Verify property lines. If unsure, order a survey so setbacks and fence placement are accurate.
• If on a bluff or beachfront, request a bluff-setback determination and be ready for geotechnical and visual analysis.
• Review HOA or CC&R design rules that may apply in addition to City requirements.
• Favor designs that reduce impacts: open or permeable materials, lower front-yard heights, removable elements near bluffs, and fire-resistant hedge species.

Design tips that ease approval

• Use open or non-view-obscuring fencing where taller heights are allowed. This supports both code compliance and scenic-view policies.
• On bluff-top or beachfront lots, consider low-profile rails, post-and-rope, or demountable systems rather than solid walls.
• For hedges, plan species and spacing with fire safety and mature height in mind, and maintain clearances from structures.
• Keep sightlines open along scenic corridors and near public viewing areas.

Permits, timing, and expectations

CDP processing can range from weeks to months based on complexity, site sensitivity, and potential appeals. Projects in or near bluff and shoreline areas often require technical studies. In rare urgent cases, emergency permits may apply, but follow-up documentation is typically required. Clarify the review path early to avoid redesigns and delays.

Avoid violations and fines

Starting work without required approvals can lead to removal orders, restoration requirements, and substantial penalties, especially if public access is blocked. If you purchase a property with existing fences or hedges, verify the permit history. The Coastal Commission details how it addresses violations and public-access issues.

• Enforcement overview: Coastal Commission enforcement

Rebuild considerations

If your property is part of a disaster rebuild, Malibu has adopted recent LCP and municipal code amendments that can affect permit paths and thresholds. Always check the latest City guidance before planning any site improvements or replacements.

• Updates: Malibu rebuild regulations and policies

Ready to align your fence or hedge plans with coastal rules while protecting your property’s value? For calm, experienced guidance as you plan, buy, or sell in Malibu, connect with Michael Bloom.

FAQs

Do Malibu fences and hedges need a Coastal Development Permit?

• Many do. Because Malibu is fully in the coastal zone, fences, gates, and landscaping that affect access, bluff areas, or scenic resources often require a CDP. Always confirm with City Planning before work.

What are Malibu’s standard fence height limits by yard?

• Front yards are generally about 42 inches, with open or non-view-obscuring fencing up to 6 feet; interior side and rear yards are typically up to 6 feet; corner-side rules vary by distance from the right-of-way. Check the code for measurement and exceptions.

How do coastal rules treat public views from roads and parks?

• Policies protect public views. New fences, walls, or hedges should avoid blocking scenic views from public roads, parks, and beaches, and designs that are low and visually permeable are favored.

What changes on bluff-top properties?

• Expect larger setbacks from the bluff edge, stricter review, and a preference for low, removable, visually permeable fencing. Hard shoreline protection is tightly restricted under state policy.

Are there fire safety limits for hedges near homes?

• Yes. Malibu prohibits flammable hedges within five feet of structures and encourages fire-resistant species and proper spacing as part of defensible-space planning.