Fence Regulations in Westminster, CA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Westminster, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
The City of Westminster's zoning code (WMC 17.300.030, Table 3-2) generally caps fences, walls and hedges at six feet, but limits them to three feet within a required front-yard or street-side-yard setback. Corner-lot fences are further restricted where they obstruct traffic visibility.
Westminster Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Westminster fences must meet the zoning standards in WMC 17.300.030 regardless of permit status. California's Building Code (CBC 105.2) exempts most fences up to seven feet from a building permit, but taller fences, retaining walls over four feet, and any work in a setback or visibility area trigger city review.
Westminster Fence Permits
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Westminster's zoning code (WMC 17.300.030) controls how tall and what type a boundary fence may be, including how height is measured between properties at different grades. Cost-sharing for a shared fence is governed by California's statewide Good Neighbor Fence Law, Civil Code 841, not by a Westminster ordinance.
Westminster Shared & Boundary Fences
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Westminster's zoning code (WMC 17.300.030) controls how the height of a wall is measured between properties and within five feet of a right-of-way. Whether a building permit is required for a retaining wall follows California's statewide rule: masonry/concrete walls over four feet (from footing) need a permit under CBC 105.2.
Westminster Retaining Walls
Some RestrictionsFence Requirements
Westminster Municipal Code 17.300.030 requires fences, walls and hedges to be installed and maintained per the city's standards, including the Table 3-2 height limits and corner traffic-visibility rules. Separate state rules (CBC) require self-latching barriers around swimming pools.
Westminster Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Westminster Municipal Code 17.300.030 prohibits fences that incorporate electrical currents, concertina ribbon, razor wire or ribbon, and pointed, protruding or sharp objects, except as allowed by WMC 17.300.035.H. Barbed wire is prohibited in the R1 through R5 residential zones between or adjacent to properties and walkways.
Westminster Fence Material Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsApproved Materials
Westminster allows common fence materials — wood, vinyl, masonry, chain-link, and decorative wrought iron — subject to the height and visibility rules of WMC 17.300.030. Hazardous materials such as electrified wire, razor/concertina wire, and barbed wire (in R1–R5) are banned, while wrought-iron decorative tips are expressly permitted.
Westminster Permitted Fence Materials
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Westminster city rules.
Fence Regulations in Orange County →