Thousand Oaks, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Side/rear yard fence height
- 6 feet max
- Front yard fence height
- 3 feet max
- Fence setback from front lot line (if taller)
- 10 feet
- Arterial noise wall height (with approval)
- up to 9 feet
Summary
In Thousand Oaks, fences, walls, and hedges along side or rear property lines can be up to 6 feet tall, but anything in the front yard is capped at 3 feet unless it qualifies for a specific exception. Fences also can't come closer than 10 feet to the front lot line if they exceed the 3-foot front-yard limit.
A fence, wall or hedge not to exceed six (6') feet in height may be located or maintained along the side or rear lot lines, but may not be located closer than ten (10') feet from the front lot line. A fence, wall or hedge may be placed in the front yard as allowed by the applicable zone if it does not have a height of more than three (3') feet, except as allowed along side lot lines as stated above or otherwise provided herein.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-78: 2026 S-78 Supplement contains: Current city legislation passed through March 31, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Height is measured from the adjacent grade facing the public right-of-way, or from the highest point on a sloped lot line. Corner lots have extra restrictions: fences can't extend into the side yard facing the street or block sight visibility at intersections without a City review by the Traffic Engineer and Community Development Director. Homeowners along four-lane-or-larger arterial roads can apply for taller noise-attenuation walls up to 9 feet through the same section's review process.
Violations & Fines
The section doesn't list a specific citation amount; an oversized fence is enforced as a zoning code violation, and the City can require it be lowered or removed. Height increases beyond the standard limits require formal City approval (Administrative Action or Planning Commission review under Section 9-4.2805(b)(8)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a 6-foot fence along my front yard?
I live on a busy four-lane road: can I get a taller wall for noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
How Thousand Oaks compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Thousand Oaks to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle height limits.