Tustin, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

The City's adopted Cultural Resources District Residential Design Guidelines state plainly that 'Barbed or razor wire are not allowed in the City' - a citywide prohibition. The same Fences and Walls guidance distinguishes solid versus open fences and emphasizes that a fence or wall style should complement the style and material of the house. Within the Cultural Resources District (Old Town), natural or natural-looking materials such as wood, stone and stucco are considered appropriate, while chain link fencing is described as not historically compatible and not appropriate, and unadorned, unarticulated materials such as plain concrete block, poured-in-place concrete, and slump stone 'will look out of place within the front yard area and are not appropriate.' Open fences are defined by the City as a wood or metal barrier that is more than 50% open. The City's general Fences, Hedges and Walls user guide defines a fence broadly as any structural barrier of hedge, wood, mesh, metal, chain, brick, stake, plastic or similar materials, and walls as solid stucco, masonry, rock or concrete barriers - so a wide range of materials is permitted citywide outside Old Town, subject to height, setback and permit rules. Masonry walls must meet the City's material specifications (ASTM concrete block, grout, mortar, reinforcing steel and concrete standards referencing the California Building/Residential Code and ACI 530). Outside the historic district, Tustin's code focuses on height, setbacks, permits and corner visibility rather than restricting most fence materials.