Fountain Valley, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Fence and wall heights in the City of Fountain Valley are set by § 21.18.070 of the Development Code. The section covers fences, walls, lattice work screens, hedges and dense growth of shrubs or trees, so a tall hedge is measured like a wall.

Front yard: anything greater than three feet in height is not allowed within a required front yard. Side and rear yards: such items cannot exceed six feet. The only exception in that subsection is a fence or wall necessary for public safety, health and welfare as required by a governmental agency, or a wall along an arterial highway. Where lots have a rear-to-side relationship, the code sends owners to the plot plans on file in the planning and building departments rather than giving a number.

Walls along arterial highways that were built as part of a subdivision must be maintained in original condition. They can be extended to eight feet in height using like materials, subject to approval by the director.

Corner lots have an extra limit. Section 21.18.040 defines a corner cutback area as a triangle formed by measuring fifteen feet from the intersection of the front and street side property lines (or an intersecting alley or driveway) and connecting the points diagonally. Any object in that area, including a fence, landscaping, sign or wall, is limited to three feet measured from the adjoining top of curb. Traffic safety devices, trees trimmed to eight feet above the top of curb, utility poles and government or utility devices are exempt from that three-foot limit.

Other related rules: fences and walls must include a gate or opening at least forty-eight inches wide for pedestrian access to structures (§ 21.18.030(b)(2)), fences within the height limits are exempt from setback requirements (§ 21.18.090(2)(A)), and a commercial or industrial development next to a residential district needs a solid masonry wall at least six feet high (§ 21.18.080(b)).