Structure Height Limits: Costa Mesa vs Fullerton
How do structure height limits rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Fullerton, CA?
Costa Mesa has fewer restrictions than Fullerton.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa limits residential building height to 35 feet in the R1 single-family zone and most residential districts. Two-story construction is the practical maximum in single-family zones. Accessory dwelling units may not exceed 16 feet for detached one-story units or 27 feet and two stories for attached or multi-story units. Height is measured from the finished grade to the highest point of the roof.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Fullerton, CA
Orange County
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.
View full Fullerton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| R1 Maximum Height | 35 feet | - |
| Accessory Structures | 15 feet maximum | - |
| Detached ADU | 16 feet (one story) or 27 feet (two story) | - |
| Measurement | From finished grade to highest roof point | - |
| Residential Max | - | 35 feet |
| Front Fence | - | 3.5 feet max |
| Side/Rear Fence | - | 6 feet max |
| Visibility Triangle | - | 3.5 feet max |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
How tall can I build a house in Costa Mesa?
In the R1 single-family zone, the maximum building height is 35 feet measured from finished grade to the highest point of the roof. This typically accommodates two-story construction with a standard roof pitch.
Is there a height limit for detached garages or sheds?
Yes. Accessory structures not used as living space are limited to 15 feet in height. Detached ADUs have separate height limits of 16 feet for single-story or 27 feet for two-story units under California ADU law.
How is building height measured on a sloped lot?
On sloped lots, height is measured from the average of the highest and lowest finished grade elevations along the building perimeter to the highest point of the roof. Contact the Planning Division at (714) 754-5245 for help calculating allowable height on your specific property.
Fullerton FAQ
How tall can I build a house in unincorporated Orange County?
Most single-family residential zones allow a maximum structure height of 35 feet measured from finished grade. Hillside lots may have additional restrictions. Variances may be requested through the Board of Zoning Adjustment.
What are the fence height limits in front yards?
Fences, walls, and hedges in front setback areas are limited to 3.5 feet. Side and rear setbacks allow up to 6 feet. Visibility triangles at intersections must also maintain the 3.5-foot maximum.
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