Height Limits: Costa Mesa vs Midway City
How do height limits rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Midway City, CA?
Costa Mesa and Midway City 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 →Midway City, CA
Orange County
OCCO Zoning Code Section 7-9-137.5 regulates fence and wall heights in unincorporated Orange County. Fences in front setback areas are limited to 3.5 feet; side and rear fences may reach 6 feet. Visibility triangles at intersections have additional restrictions.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code Section | - | OCCO §7-9-137.5 |
| Front Setback Max | - | 3.5 feet |
| Side/Rear Max | - | 6 feet |
| Visibility Triangle | - | 3.5 feet maximum |
| Permit Trigger | - | Over 6 feet requires permit |
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.
Midway City FAQ
How tall can my fence be in unincorporated Orange County?
Fences in front yards are limited to 3.5 feet. Side and rear fences can be up to 6 feet under OCCO Section 7-9-137.5. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and engineering.
Are there special fence rules near street corners?
Yes. Within the visibility triangle at street intersections, fences, walls, and hedges cannot exceed 3.5 feet to maintain safe sight lines for drivers and pedestrians.
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