Height Limits: Costa Mesa vs Orange
How do height limits rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Orange, CA?
Costa Mesa and Orange 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 →Orange, CA
Orange County
The City of Orange regulates fence heights under OMC Title 17 (Zoning). Front yard fences are limited to 3.5 feet, side and rear yard fences to 6 feet, with 8-foot fences allowed where property abuts a major arterial street or commercial zone.
View full Orange rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Orange |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | 3.5 feet maximum |
| Side/Rear Yard | - | 6 feet maximum |
| Arterial/Commercial | - | 8 feet maximum |
| Code Reference | - | OMC Title 17 Zoning |
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.
Orange FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Orange?
Front yard fences: 3.5 feet max. Side and rear yard fences: 6 feet max. Up to 8 feet if abutting a major arterial or commercial property.
Do hedges count as fences in Orange?
Yes. Hedges used as barriers are subject to the same height restrictions as fences under OMC Title 17.
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