Irvine Height Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Irvine Zoning Ordinance establishes maximum height limits for fences, walls, and hedges on residential properties. In front yards and the area between the front property line and the front building setback, fences and walls may not exceed 42 inches (3.5 feet) in height. This limit ensures visibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, and maintains the open streetscape character that is a hallmark of Irvine's master-planned design. In side yards and rear yards — the area between the side or rear property line and the building — fences and walls may be up to 6 feet in height.

Corner lots are subject to additional restrictions: fences within the sight-line visibility triangle at street intersections may not exceed 42 inches in height, and in some cases must be lower or replaced with open-style fencing (such as wrought iron or tubular steel) that does not obstruct a driver's view. The specific dimensions of the sight-line triangle are defined in the Irvine Zoning Ordinance and vary based on street classification and intersection geometry.

Where a fence is mounted on top of a retaining wall, the combined height is measured from the higher of the two adjacent finished grade levels, not from the base of the retaining wall. This prevents the use of grade changes to circumvent the height limits. Decorative elements such as post caps, finials, and lattice extensions may project a limited distance above the maximum fence height, typically 6-12 inches, subject to building official interpretation.

Barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire, sharp-pointed fence toppings, and electrically charged fences are prohibited in all residential zoning districts. Chain-link fences may be restricted or prohibited in front yards and visible side yards under both city code and HOA guidelines.

A critical consideration in Irvine is that nearly all residential properties are subject to HOA architectural review requirements. Before installing, replacing, or substantially modifying any fence or wall, residents must submit an architectural application to their HOA. The HOA review typically addresses fence material, color, style, placement, and height, and may impose standards more restrictive than the city zoning code. For example, some Irvine communities require specific fence materials (such as stucco-finished block wall matching the home's exterior color) or prohibit wood fencing visible from the street. Contact Irvine Community Development at (949) 724-6000 for city zoning questions.