7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Orange County, California.
Verified from official government sources
OCCO Zoning Code Section 7-9-137.5 regulates fence and wall heights in unincorporated Orange County. Fences in front setback areas are limited to 3.5 feet; side and rear fences may reach 6 feet. Visibility triangles at intersections have additional restrictions.
Building permits are required for fences and walls over 6 feet in height in unincorporated Orange County. Retaining walls over 4 feet retaining level earth, or any retaining wall subject to surcharge, also require permits and engineered plans through OC Development Services.
Shared boundary fences in unincorporated Orange County are governed by California Civil Code Section 841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act. Adjoining property owners are presumed equally responsible for reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, and replacement of boundary fences.
California Civil Code § 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act)
841. (a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b) (1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of constructio...
Retaining walls in unincorporated Orange County require building permits and engineered plans when retaining level earth over 4 feet, retaining any slope, or subject to surcharge loads. The OC Grading Manual and Building Code govern design and construction standards.
Orange County enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §115920-115929) and adopted Ordinance No. 19-006 requiring both primary and secondary pool barriers for all residential pools in unincorporated areas with water depth exceeding 18 inches.
California Health & Safety Code § 115920 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
The Swimming Pool Safety Act [115920 - 115929] ( Article 2.5 added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 925, Sec. 3.5. ) 115920. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Swimming Pool Safety Act. (Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 925, Sec. 3.5. Effective January 1, 1997.)
Unincorporated Orange County regulates fences under Title 7, Division 5 (Zoning) of the Codified Ordinances. Front yard fences are limited to 42 inches, side and rear yard fences to 6 feet. Fences must not obstruct sight lines at intersections or driveways.
Unincorporated Orange County prohibits barbed wire and razor wire in residential zones. Electric fences are not permitted in residential areas. Chain link fencing may be restricted in front yards. HOA CC&Rs in communities like Coto de Caza and Ladera Ranch impose additional material requirements.
10 cities in Orange County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
6 verified rules • Height Limits, Material Restrictions
6 verified rules • Height Limits, Material Restrictions
6 verified rules • Height Limits, Material Restrictions
6 verified rules • Height Limits, Material Restrictions
7 verified rules • Fence Requirements, Height Limits
6 verified rules • Height Limits, Material Restrictions
7 verified rules • Fence Requirements, Height Limits
7 verified rules • Fence Requirements, Height Limits
3 verified rules • Height Limits, Pool Barriers
7 verified rules • Fence Requirements, Height Limits
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