Height Limits: Costa Mesa vs Fullerton
How do height limits rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Fullerton, CA?
Costa Mesa and Fullerton have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
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.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton regulates fence heights under Municipal Code Chapter 15.50 (Zoning). Front yard fences are limited to 42 inches (3.5 feet). Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Fences at corner lots must maintain sight visibility triangles for traffic safety.
View full Fullerton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Front Setback | 3 feet maximum (10 ft zone) | - |
| Side/Rear | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Corner Lots | 5 ft setback if over 36 inches | - |
| Over-Height | Discretionary review required | - |
| Permits | Required for fence construction | - |
| Front Yard Max | - | 42 inches (3.5 feet) |
| Side/Rear Yard Max | - | 6 feet |
| Corner Visibility | - | 30-36 inches in sight triangle |
| Variance Required | - | For heights exceeding limits |
| Community Dev | - | (714) 738-6837 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Costa Mesa?
Front setback fences are limited to 3 feet. Side and rear fences may be up to 6 feet. Fences exceeding these limits require discretionary review.
What are the corner lot rules?
On corner lots in R2-MD, R2-HD, and R-3 zones, fences over 36 inches must be set back 5 feet from the street side property line for visibility.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Yes. Building permits are required for fence construction in Costa Mesa. The Planning Division reviews location and materials.
Fullerton FAQ
How tall can my front yard fence be in Fullerton?
Front yard fences, walls, and hedges are limited to 42 inches (3.5 feet) in height. This applies to the required front yard setback area in residential zones.
What is the maximum fence height for a backyard in Fullerton?
Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet tall. If the fence sits on a retaining wall, the combined height may be subject to additional review.
Can I get approval for a taller fence in Fullerton?
Yes, through a variance or adjustment application with the Community Development Department. Contact them at (714) 738-6837 for the process and fees.
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