Fullerton, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard setback
- 36 inches (3 feet) max
- Side and rear yards
- 6 feet max
- Grade-difference rule
- 6 ft high side / 8 ft low side
- Non-view-obscuring in setback
- Up to 6 ft with Director approval
- Through-lot rear at dedicated frontage
- Up to 8 ft
- Code section
- FMC 15.17.050, Table 15.17.050.F
Summary
Fullerton Municipal Code 15.17.050 caps fences and walls in the front yard setback at 36 inches and along side and rear yards at 6 feet. Non-view-obscuring fences may go to 6 feet in setbacks with Director of Development Services approval.
The height of non-retaining walls, fences, hedges or guardrails shall be in accordance with Table 15.17.050.F. Non-view-obscuring fences may go to a height of six feet with the approval of the Director of Development Services.
Full Breakdown
F. Fences and walls located within the front yard setback area shall not exceed 36 inches in height, while fences and walls located along side and rear yards shall not exceed six feet in height. Where there is a difference in grade between adjacent properties, the maximum fence height shall be six feet as measured from the high grade side and eight feet as measured from the low grade side. Non-view-obscuring fences (such as wrought-iron or open-style fencing) may go to a height of six feet in the front setback with the approval of the Director of Development Services, who considers construction materials, compatibility with neighboring properties, vision clearance, and other factors.
Fences up to eight feet are also permitted at the rear yard property line of a through lot in an R-1, R-1P, R-2 or R-2P zone where all vehicular access rights along that street frontage have been dedicated to the city or restricted by parcel map, site plan, or tract map.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence taller than allowed by FMC 15.17.050 or its Table 15.17.050.F is a violation of the Zoning Code. The Code Enforcement Division of the Development Services Department investigates complaints, can issue Notices of Violation, and may pursue administrative citations and abatement under Title 15 of the FMC. Solid view-obscuring fences over 36 inches in a front yard, or fences over six feet in side/rear yards without a height exception, must be lowered, removed, or brought into conformance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my back yard fence be in Fullerton?
Can I build a 6-foot fence across my front yard?
What happens at corner lots and through lots?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fullerton
How Fullerton compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Fullerton to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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