Costa Mesa, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Municipal Code section 13-75(l) makes it unlawful to install barbed wire, razor wire, concertina ribbon or similar material in any required setback abutting a public right-of-way, in a setback next to a residential development, or anywhere on a property with residential development. Outside those protected areas, barbed wire and razor wire are still allowed but must clear at least six feet eight inches above grade. Section 13-75(m) bans electrified fencing outright at any location in the city, along with glass, nails or similar sharp items embedded in a wall or fence.

Chain link fencing carries its own restriction under section 13-75(n): it is prohibited in any required setback abutting a public right-of-way in nonresidential zones, and in residential zones, including planned developments, it is prohibited anywhere visible from a public street or alley. That restriction reaches existing fences too. A residential or planned development property with a chain link fence visible from the street must remove it once the owner pulls a building permit, or a series of building permits within a rolling 12-month period, for improvements worth $30,000 or more; removal must be complete before the last permit over that valuation is finalized.

Together these rules push visible Costa Mesa fencing toward wood, vinyl, wrought iron or masonry, reserving chain link and barbed wire for interior industrial or utility locations set back from residential neighbors and public streets.