Height Limits: Costa Mesa vs Newport Beach
How do height limits rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Newport Beach, CA?
Costa Mesa and Newport Beach 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 →Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Newport Beach Zoning Code regulates fence heights based on yard location. Front yard fences are generally limited to 3 feet, while side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Height exceptions apply in some zoning districts and for certain materials.
View full Newport Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Front Setback | 3 feet maximum (10 ft zone) | - |
| Side/Rear | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Corner Lots | 5 ft setback if over 36 inches | Sight triangle restrictions apply |
| Over-Height | Discretionary review required | - |
| Permits | Required for fence construction | - |
| Front Yard | - | 3 feet maximum |
| Side/Rear Yard | - | 6 feet maximum |
| Coastal Zone | - | CDP may be required |
| Community Development | - | (949) 644-3200 |
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.
Newport Beach FAQ
How tall can my front yard fence be in Newport Beach?
Front yard fences in Newport Beach are generally limited to 3 feet in height. This applies to the area between the front property line and the required front setback. Check with Community Development at (949) 644-3200 for your specific zoning district.
Can I build a 6-foot fence in my backyard in Newport Beach?
Yes, side yard and rear yard fences may generally be up to 6 feet in height under the Newport Beach Zoning Code. Combined fence-and-retaining-wall height may have additional limitations depending on grade changes.
Do fences in Newport Beach need a Coastal Development Permit?
Fence modifications in the Coastal Zone that are visible from public areas may trigger Coastal Development Permit requirements. Contact Community Development at (949) 644-3200 to determine if your property is in the Coastal Zone.
Compare other topics
See how Costa Mesa and Newport Beach 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