Height Limits: Santa Paula vs Thousand Oaks
How do height limits rules compare between Santa Paula, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Santa Paula and Thousand Oaks have similar restriction levels.
Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
Santa Paula Zoning Ordinance limits fences to 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards in residential zones. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions. Fences on retaining walls are measured from the top of the wall.
View full Santa Paula 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 | Santa Paula | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 3.5 feet maximum | 3 feet max |
| Side/Rear Yard | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Corner Lot Sight Triangle | 3 feet maximum | - |
| Measurement | From finished grade, higher side | - |
| Permits | Community Development (805) 933-4214 | - |
| 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.
Santa Paula FAQ
How tall can a fence be in Santa Paula?
3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots have 3-foot limits in sight-triangle areas for traffic visibility.
Can I build a taller fence with a variance?
Yes, you can apply for a variance through the Planning Commission. This requires a public hearing and demonstrating hardship. Contact Community Development at (805) 933-4214.
How is fence height measured on a slope?
Fence height is measured from the finished grade on the higher side. For fences on retaining walls, the combined wall-plus-fence height is used.
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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