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.
Orange County Codified Ordinances Title 7, Division 5 establishes fence regulations for unincorporated areas. Front yard fences are limited to 42 inches in height. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Fences on corner lots must maintain sight-line triangles at intersections (typically 25 feet from the corner) to ensure driver visibility. Fences must be maintained in good repair and not constitute a public nuisance. Retaining walls combined with fencing measure from the ground on the lower side. Fences on slopes or hillside lots in canyon communities may have different effective heights and should be reviewed with OC Planning. Agricultural fencing on properties with livestock may exceed standard height limits. OC Planning at (714) 667-8888 handles fence questions. Building permits are not typically required for standard fences under 6 feet unless they include retaining wall components.
Fences exceeding height limits or obstructing sight lines may be ordered removed or modified. OC Code Enforcement at (714) 667-8843 handles complaints. Non-compliant fences must be corrected within a specified compliance period or face administrative fines.
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