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

The City of Santa Ana's zoning code (Chapter 41) establishes maximum height limits for fences, walls, and hedges based on their location relative to the property's yard areas and the applicable zoning district. In residential zones (R-1 single family, R-2 two-family, R-3 multi-family), front yard fences are limited to a maximum height of 42 inches (3.5 feet). This relatively low limit preserves open sight lines along the streetscape, maintains the visual character of residential blocks, and supports traffic safety by ensuring that drivers can see pedestrians and other vehicles at driveways and intersections.

Side yard and rear yard fences in residential zones may be up to 6 feet in height, measured from the highest finished grade on either side of the fence. This measurement methodology means that on sloped lots — which are less common in Santa Ana's generally flat terrain but do exist in some areas — the effective fence height on the lower side may exceed 6 feet while still complying with the code. When a fence is constructed on top of a retaining wall, the combined total height of the retaining wall and the fence above it is used to determine compliance with the applicable height limit.

Corner lots have additional requirements. Fences within the sight-line triangle at street intersections must not exceed the front yard height limit of 42 inches to ensure unobstructed visibility for vehicles approaching the intersection. The sight-line triangle is typically defined as the area within 25 feet of the corner where two streets or a street and an alley meet. Solid fences, walls, and dense hedges within this area must comply with the reduced height limit regardless of whether they are technically in the side yard.

Barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire, and similar sharp-edged materials are prohibited on fences in residential zones. In commercial and industrial zones, barbed wire may be permitted on top of fences that are at least 6 feet in height, subject to additional requirements. Contact the Santa Ana Planning Division at (714) 667-2750 for height limit questions specific to your property and zone.