Height Limits: Costa Mesa vs Santa Ana
How do height limits rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Costa Mesa and Santa Ana 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 →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana allows fences up to 8 feet in side and rear yards and 3-4 feet in front yards under SAMC Sec. 41-610. Front yard fences over 18 inches require a Planning permit and must allow visibility through the upper portion.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | 3–4 ft max |
| Side/Rear Yard | - | 8 ft max |
| Front Permit | - | Required over 18 in. |
| Code Section | - | Sec. 41-610 |
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.
Santa Ana FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana allows fences up to 8 feet in side and rear yards and 3-4 feet in front yards under SAMC Sec. 41-610. Front yard fences over 18 inches require a Planning permit and must allow visibility through the upper portion.
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in Santa Ana?
Front Yard: 3–4 ft max. Side/Rear Yard: 8 ft max. Front Permit: Required over 18 in.. Code Section: Sec. 41-610.
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