Height Limits: Ojai vs Thousand Oaks
How do height limits rules compare between Ojai, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Ojai and Thousand Oaks have similar restriction levels.
Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Ojai limits front yard fences to 3.5 feet and side/rear yard fences to 6 feet under OMC zoning regulations. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Corner lots have additional visibility requirements at intersections.
View full Ojai rules →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
Maximum 6 feet along side or rear lot lines, minimum 10 feet from front lot line. Front yard fences limited to 3 feet in height. Up to 9 feet allowed along rear line with Community Development Director approval for noise attenuation. TOMC Sec. 9-4.2509.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 3.5 feet maximum | 3 feet max |
| Side/Rear Yard | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Over 6 Feet | Building permit required | - |
| Corner Visibility | 3 feet max in sight triangle | - |
| Side/Rear | - | 6 feet max (10+ ft from front lot line) |
| Exception | - | Up to 9 ft rear with Director approval |
| Code | - | TOMC Sec. 9-4.2509 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ojai FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be?
Up to 6 feet without a permit. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and possible Planning Commission review.
What about front yard fences?
Front yard fences are limited to 3.5 feet. This applies to fences between the front property line and the front building line.
Are there extra rules for corner lots?
Yes. Fences within the sight triangle at intersections must be under 3 feet to maintain driver visibility.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Thousand Oaks?
Front yard: 42 inches (3.5 feet) in most residential zones. Side and rear yard: up to 6 feet. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and likely a variance. Contact Community Development at (805) 449-2100.
Can I have a taller front yard fence?
You would need a variance from the Planning Commission, which requires a public hearing. Open-style fences (wrought iron, split rail) may have slightly different allowances. Check with Community Development.
Do fences on retaining walls have special rules?
Yes. Combined fence-and-wall height is measured from the lower grade, so a 4-foot retaining wall with a fence can only have a 2-foot fence to stay within the 6-foot total limit without a variance.
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