Aliso Viejo, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Aliso Viejo Municipal Code § 15.14.030(J) is the permit rule in the fence section. Fences higher than the maximums set out in the section, up to a maximum of 10 feet, can be approved only if the director approves an exception permit pursuant to AVMC 15.74.070. The maximums being exceeded are six feet in side and rear setbacks and 42 inches in front setbacks for single-family lots, and 42 inches within 10 feet of a street or alley right-of-way line for multifamily developments.

Applications for fences exceeding 10 feet in height are handled differently. They are reviewed by the city council as a site development permit, pursuant to AVMC 15.74.020, and require a public hearing. The director can also refer any fence height increase application to the city council if the director determines on a case-by-case basis that the public interest would be better served by that referral.

Approval is not automatic. In addition to the findings required for all exceptions, two findings are made for a fence height increase: the height and location of the proposed fence will not result in or create a traffic hazard, and its location, size, design and other characteristics will not result in a material adverse effect on adjacent residents or their properties, including views available to those residents before the fence was built.

Two related approvals sit nearby. City- or state-required sound attenuation walls bordering freeways, tollways or arterial highways can exceed six feet if a noise attenuation study recommends it and the director approves. Open railings up to 48 inches high on top of a wall need a height increase approved under subsection J. This section prints exception permit rules for taller fences; it does not itself state a building permit threshold for fences within the height limits.