Height Limits: Thousand Oaks vs Ventura
How do height limits rules compare between Thousand Oaks, CA and Ventura, CA?
Thousand Oaks and Ventura have similar restriction levels.
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 →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura limits front yard fences to 3 feet in the required front setback area (first 20 feet from the lot line) unless less. A maximum 6-foot fence or wall is allowed anywhere else on the lot except in the clear sight triangle. Taller fences may be allowed if 50% open (like chain link).
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Thousand Oaks | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Side/Rear | 6 feet max (10+ ft from front lot line) | - |
| Front Yard | 3 feet max | - |
| Exception | Up to 9 ft rear with Director approval | - |
| Code | TOMC Sec. 9-4.2509 | - |
| Front Setback | - | 3 feet max in first 20 feet from lot line |
| Side/Rear Yard | - | 6 feet max |
| 50% Open Exception | - | Taller fences may be allowed if open |
| Sight Triangle | - | Must maintain clear vision at corners |
| Contact | - | Planning (805) 677-3941 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Ventura FAQ
How tall can my front yard fence be in Ventura?
Fences in the front setback area (typically the first 20 feet from the front lot line) are limited to 3 feet in height.
How tall can my backyard fence be?
A maximum 6-foot fence, wall, or hedge is allowed in side and rear yards, provided it is not in the clear sight triangle at intersections.
Can I build a taller fence if it is open?
In some cases, taller fences may be allowed if they are at least 50% open, such as chain link. Contact Planning at (805) 677-3941 for specific requirements based on your lot and zoning.
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