The Orange County Zoning Code limits fence and wall heights to 3.5 feet in front setback areas and 6 feet in side and rear setback areas. Primary residential structures in most zones are limited to 35 feet. The code includes specific visibility triangle requirements at intersections.
Orange County's Zoning Code establishes maximum heights for structures in setback areas. Within any required front setback, fences, walls, and hedges are limited to 3.5 feet. Within rear or side setback areas (through which no vehicular access is taken) adjoining a street, the maximum height is 6 feet for a depth of up to 20 feet. Visibility triangles at access points and street intersections require fences, walls, and hedges to be no taller than 3.5 feet to maintain sight lines. Primary residential structures in most single-family zones are limited to 35 feet in height under Section 7-9-24.10. Height is measured from finished grade to the highest point of the structure. The Board of Zoning Adjustment may grant variances for height limitations where the applicant demonstrates hardship. Development on hillside lots may have additional height restrictions based on slope analysis.
Non-compliant structures may require modification or removal. Unpermitted construction exceeding height limits triggers code enforcement action with progressive citations from $100 to $1,000.
Orange County, CA
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See how Orange County's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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