Height Limits: Costa Mesa vs Garden Grove
How do height limits rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Garden Grove, CA?
Costa Mesa and Garden Grove 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 →Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove limits front yard fences to 36 inches. Interior lot fences behind the front yard setback can be up to 7 feet. Corner lots allow up to 8 feet behind both front and corner side yard setbacks. Any portion above 7 feet must be openwork (60% or less solid).
View full Garden Grove rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Front Setback | 3 feet maximum (10 ft zone) | - |
| Side/Rear | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Corner Lots | 5 ft setback if over 36 inches | 8 feet behind both setbacks |
| Over-Height | Discretionary review required | - |
| Permits | Required for fence construction | - |
| Front Yard | - | 36 inches maximum |
| Interior Side/Rear | - | 7 feet behind front setback |
| Above 7 Feet | - | Must be openwork (≤60% solid) |
| Code Section | - | GGMC §9.18.130 |
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.
Garden Grove FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Garden Grove?
Front yard fences are limited to 36 inches. Behind the front setback, interior lots allow 7 feet and corner lots allow 8 feet under GGMC Section 9.18.130.
What does openwork fence mean?
An openwork fence is one where solid portions are evenly distributed and make up no more than 60% of the total surface area. Any fence portion above 7 feet must be openwork.
Are there special rules for corner lots?
Yes. Corner lots must maintain a 25-foot vision triangle at the intersection. Fences up to 8 feet are allowed behind both front and corner side yard setbacks.
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