Fence Regulations in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Costa Mesa limits front setback fences to 3 feet and side/rear fences to 6 feet maximum. Corner lots require fences over 36 inches to be set back 5 feet from the street side property line. Fences exceeding maximums require discretionary review.
Costa Mesa Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Costa Mesa requires building permits for all new fences. The Planning Division reviews fence location and materials. Fences exceeding maximum heights require discretionary review. Temporary construction fencing also requires permits.
Costa Mesa Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Costa Mesa defers to California Civil Code Sections 841-841.4 for shared boundary fence responsibilities. Adjoining landowners are presumed to share equally the cost of maintaining boundary fences under the Good Neighbor Fence Act.
Costa Mesa Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code §841 — Good Neighbor Fence Act
841. skip to content home accessibility FAQ feedback sitemap login x Quick Search: Bill Number Bill Keyword Home Bill Information California Law Publications Other Resources My Subscriptions My Favorites California Law >> >> Code Section Code Section Code: Select Code CONS BPC CIV CCP COM CORP EDC ELEC EVID FAM FIN FGC FAC GOV HNC HSC INS LAB MVC PEN PROB PCC PRC PUC RTC SHC UIC VEH WAT WIC Art...
Retaining Walls
Costa Mesa requires building permits for retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Walls over certain heights require engineered plans. Retaining walls near property lines must meet setback requirements.
Costa Mesa Retaining Wall Permits & Standards
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Costa Mesa enforces California Building Code pool barrier requirements. All residential swimming pools and spas must be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised child access.
Costa Mesa Pool Barrier & Safety Fence Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health & Safety Code §115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
115922. (a) Except as provided in Section 115925, subject to subdivision (b), and consistent with Section 1596.814, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning preven...
Fence Requirements
Costa Mesa regulates fence placement, setbacks, and maintenance under CMMC zoning provisions. Fences in the front yard setback area are limited to 42 inches in height, while side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Corner lot visibility triangles must remain clear.
Costa Mesa General Fence Regulations & Setbacks
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Costa Mesa prohibits certain fence materials in residential zones including barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing. Approved materials include wood, vinyl, wrought iron, block, and stucco-finished masonry, subject to zoning district standards.
Costa Mesa Fence Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Fence Regulations in Orange County →