Garden Grove Neighbor Fence Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Boundary fences between residential properties in Garden Grove are subject to the California Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code Section 841), which was enacted in 2013 to establish a clear framework for resolving fence disputes between neighboring property owners. The law creates a presumption that adjoining landowners benefit equally from a shared boundary fence and should therefore share equally in the reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, and necessary replacement.

Before beginning any work on a boundary fence, the initiating property owner must provide written notice to the adjoining neighbor at least 30 days in advance. The written notice must include a description of the problem necessitating the new fence or repair, the proposed solution, an estimated cost, the proposed cost-sharing arrangement, and the anticipated timeline for the project. The neighbor then has 30 days to respond. If the neighbor does not respond within the 30-day period, they are still presumed to be liable for their share of reasonable costs under the statute.

The presumption of equal cost sharing can be rebutted under certain circumstances defined in Civil Code Section 841. If a court determines that requiring equal sharing would be unjust given the financial circumstances of the adjoining owner, the court may order a different allocation. A property owner who disproportionately contributed to the need for replacement — for example, by damaging the existing fence through negligence — may be required to pay a larger share. Additionally, a property owner who uses the land in a way that does not require a fence may petition the court for a reduced share.

Regardless of any agreement between neighbors, all boundary fences in Garden Grove must comply with the city's local zoning requirements for fence height, materials, and permits. A fence that exceeds 42 inches in the front yard setback or 6 feet in the side and rear yards requires a variance from the city. Neighbors cannot mutually agree to build a fence that violates the municipal code. Disputes over boundary fence cost sharing under Civil Code Section 841 are civil matters resolved through negotiation, mediation, or small claims court (for amounts up to $12,500). The city's Code Enforcement division does not mediate private cost-sharing disputes but will enforce zoning and building code violations on any fence.