> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Santa Monica citizens hedge policy at workshop - URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-citizens-hedge-policy-at-workshop/ - Published: 2005-03-11T16:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T06:12:49.000Z - Author: Ryan Hyatt - Tags: Government & Politics, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless *Safety, aesthetic issues raised in hedge debate* CITY HALL — Santa Monica residents outraged over a $25,000 fine for having high hedges were given the chance to do their own landscaping last night. More than 40 Santa Monicans concerned over hedges, fences and walls that separate them from neighbors showed up at Ken Edward’s Center Wednesday for a city-sponsored workshop to voice their views on how their barriers should be regulated. One participant said the “Hedge Wars” began more than a year ago after City Hall began enforcing a 1948 law that directed hundreds of residents to cut their hedges or face fines of as much as $25,000 a day — up to a maximum of $500,000. Among those targeted was a group of residents who live in multi-million-dollar homes along Adelaide Drive in northern Santa Monica — including now City Councilman Bobby Shriver, as well as Alvin Sargent, an accomplished film writer. Both had questioned the impetus for the enforcement and City Hall’s priorities. Shriver decided to run for City Council last year after he grew frustrated with City Hall’s initial handling of the hedge issue. He rallied other upset citizens, who flooded City Hall with complaints, arguing that the hedges provide much-needed privacy, shade and character to their neighborhoods. Although some are only inches above the legal limit for hedge heights, others tower 20 to 30 feet high. In light of the controversy that followed, City Hall dropped the violations and decided to reassess the law. Part of that reassessment prompted the workshop, the outcome of which city planners will use to recommend a policy that could update the law for hedges and other barriers on private property. Current law limits front-yard hedges to 42 inches, and side and backyard hedges to 8 feet. “We’re here to find out what the public thinks the city should do about hedges and fences,” said Beth Rolandson, senior transportation planner for City Hall. The questions city planners posed to participants included whether the current law should be changed; whether hedges should be distinguished from barriers such as walls and fences; whether front, side and back-yards should be held to the same standards; how issues with lighting, noise and privacy should be handled; and whether existing hedges, fences and walls in violation should be grandfathered into regulation. Santa Monica resident Tom Cleys said he supported a hedge policy that would encourage openness. “Part of living in a pedestrian environment is being able to see front yards,” Cleys said. “There’s a certain friendliness that comes with it. If you want to live behind walled compounds, like they have on Palisades, you can. But I want to live in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.” Santa Monica resident Cynthia Cotton is originally from Texas and is used to openness, but she said others might prefer seclusion and tall hedges. “A lot of people are moving in these days who don’t want to talk to their neighbors,” Cotton said. “They’d rather head straight to their car.” Santa Monica resident Valerie Jean Hiss said she was one of the homeowners slapped with the $25,000-a-day fine for having a 54-inch fence. “The last 12 inches is a header,” Hiss said. “It’s for decor, but also because homeless were jumping over the fence to sleep in my garden.” Hiss said she considered applying for a $2,000 variance with City Hall so she can keep her fence, but remains hesitant because she has had no guarantees it would be approved. “I’ve gotten a verbal but not a written approval,” Hiss said. “There’s no reason to apply if I’m not guaranteed. I’m frustrated, feel like there’s no way out.” Hiss said she approves of hedge, fence and wall regulations intended for safety. “If I’m not hurting anyone, why can’t I do what I want on my property?” Hiss said. Others stressed the importance of the safety issue. “What we need are not more regulations, but better enforcement,” another resident said. “We live in a city and need to be cognizant of one another. Some of the larger hedges could be infested.” Santa Monica resident Rachel Ronn said any attempts to regulate hedges would be very subjective, even on the neighborhood level. “We all live in Santa Monica because we love Santa Monica, but we love it for different reasons,” Ronn said. “When you start talking about a ‘neighborhood character’ and want to legislate it, it takes away from what each of us might like (on our property). It means something different to each person.” Ronn and other participants recommended a mediation process be put in place in which disputing neighbors could hash out their hedge issues within a 30-day period. The City Council is expected to reconsider the 56-year-old law in the next few months. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 11, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/031105.pdf?ref=smdp.com)