Permit Requirements: Costa Mesa vs Midway City
How do permit requirements 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 requires building permits for all new fences. The Planning Division reviews fence location and materials. Fences exceeding maximum heights require discretionary review. Temporary construction fencing also requires permits.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Building permits are required for fences and walls over 6 feet in height in unincorporated Orange County. Retaining walls over 4 feet retaining level earth, or any retaining wall subject to surcharge, also require permits and engineered plans through OC Development Services.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes — for all new fences | - |
| Planning Review | Location and materials checked | - |
| Over-Height | Discretionary review required | - |
| Temp Fencing | Permit needed if >30 days | - |
| Contact | Building Division — (714) 754-5273 | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 6 feet requires permit |
| Retaining Wall | - | Permit if over 4 feet |
| Engineering Required | - | Walls over 6 feet |
| Application Portal | - | myOCeServices (ocgov.com) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Do I need a permit for a fence in Costa Mesa?
Yes. All new fences require building permits. The Planning Division reviews location and materials. Contact Building at (714) 754-5273.
What about a temporary fence during construction?
If construction exceeds 30 days, a permit is required for temporary fencing that specifies the completion timeline.
What if my fence needs to be taller than the limit?
Fences exceeding maximum height limits require discretionary review through the Planning Division.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot fence in unincorporated Orange County?
A standard fence at or under 6 feet generally does not require a building permit. However, it must comply with zoning height and setback rules under OCCO Section 7-9-137.5. Fences over 6 feet require a permit and engineering.
What permits are needed for a retaining wall?
Retaining walls over 4 feet holding level earth, or any wall retaining a slope or subject to surcharge, require a building permit and engineered plans signed by a licensed engineer or architect.
Compare other topics
See how Costa Mesa and Midway City compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool