What a Fence Costs in Northridge in 2026
- Wood privacy fence (cedar, dog-ear or board-on-board): $45–$75 per linear foot installed
- Vinyl fence: $55–$90 per linear foot installed
- Horizontal aluminum slat fence: $95–$160 per linear foot installed
- Block or stucco wall with slat topper: $180–$320 per linear foot installed
- Automated driveway gate (slide or swing, with operator): $9,500–$28,000
Most Northridge front-yard fence and gate projects land between $18,000 and $60,000 depending on linear footage, whether a wall is involved, and whether the driveway gate is automated.
Height Limits and Setbacks
- Front yard fences are typically limited to 42 inches in the required front setback
- Side and rear yard fences are generally allowed up to 6 feet without a permit
- Anything over 6 feet, or a wall on a retaining structure, usually requires a permit and engineering
- Corner lots have visibility triangle rules that cap height near the intersection
Confirm the exact numbers with the Northridge planning counter before finalizing a design — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
Material Comparison
- Powder-coated aluminum slats: the modern look, zero rot, 20+ year finish life
- Vinyl: low maintenance and cost-effective, but limited in modern styling
- Cedar: warm and affordable, needs sealing and will eventually gray or warp
- Steel: strongest option for large driveway gates and security applications
Automated Gates Done Right
- Run conduit for power, loop detectors, and low-voltage before hardscape goes in
- Slide gates need clear side yard travel; swing gates need level, unobstructed arc
- Safety photo eyes and UL 325 compliant operators are required, not optional
- Keypad, intercom, and phone-app control should be spec'd during design, not after
Questions to Ask a Northridge Fence Contractor
- Is post depth and concrete footing spec included in writing?
- Who is responsible for confirming the property line and setbacks?
- Is the gate operator UL 325 compliant and warranted separately?
- What is the powder-coat warranty on aluminum components?
Moda Outdoor Living is a direct design-build contractor serving Los Angeles, Ventura, and North Orange County — CSLB #1102152. Every project runs on transparent pricing, exact quantities, and sourced materials, backed by an extended warranty. You work directly with the team building your project, not a broker reselling your job.
💡 Pro Tip
Want numbers specific to your property? Run our free /estimate tool or download the /backyard-blueprint guide before your first contractor meeting — both are free and take a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fence cost in Northridge?
Wood privacy fencing runs $45–$75 per linear foot installed, vinyl $55–$90, and modern horizontal aluminum slat fencing $95–$160. Most Northridge projects land between $18,000 and $60,000.
How tall can a fence be in Northridge?
Front yard fences are generally limited to 42 inches within the front setback, while side and rear fences are usually allowed up to 6 feet. Anything taller typically requires a permit — confirm with the local planning counter and your HOA.
What does an automated driveway gate cost?
A slide or swing driveway gate with a UL 325 compliant operator, safety photo eyes, and keypad typically runs $9,500–$28,000 depending on span, material, and automation package.
Which fence material lasts longest in Northridge?
Powder-coated aluminum. It will not rot, warp, or attract termites, and a quality finish holds up 20+ years in Southern California sun.
