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🧱 Fence Regulations/Height Limits

Height Limits: Huntington Beach vs Newport Beach

How do height limits rules compare between Huntington Beach, CA and Newport Beach, CA?

Huntington Beach and Newport Beach have similar restriction levels.

Huntington Beach, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

Huntington Beach limits front yard fences to 42 inches and side/rear yard fences to 6 feet in residential districts. Fences required as conditions of project approval need fire department review.

View full Huntington Beach rules β†’

Newport Beach, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

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 β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactHuntington BeachNewport Beach
Front Yard42 inches (3.5 feet) maximum3 feet maximum
Side/Rear Yard6 feet maximum6 feet maximum
Corner LotsSight-line triangles requiredSight triangle restrictions apply
Fire ReviewFences under 6 ft with project conditions-
Coastal Zone-CDP may be required
Community Development-(949) 644-3200

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Huntington Beach FAQ

How tall can a front yard fence be in Huntington Beach?

Front yard fences in residential districts are limited to 42 inches (3.5 feet). This maintains visibility and neighborhood character. Variances may be available for special circumstances.

What is the maximum backyard fence height in Huntington Beach?

Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet tall in residential districts. Fences on top of retaining walls may have combined height limits.

Can I get a variance for a taller fence in Huntington Beach?

Yes. Height variances may be available through Community Development at (714) 536-5271. You will need to demonstrate a hardship or special circumstance justifying the additional height.

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.

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