Buena Park, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BPMC § 19.328.010
- Approval needed
- Planning Director, zoning compliance review
- Building permit trigger
- Fences over 6 feet
- Applies in
- RS (single-family residential) zones
Summary
Buena Park requires Planning Director approval of fence plans and design in single-family zones before construction, plus a building permit for fences over 6 feet and most block walls.
Required Permits and Approvals. No fence shall be constructed within any single-family residential zoning district until the plans and design for such fence have been approved by the Planning Director pursuant to the zoning compliance review procedure (Section 19.128.090).
1. Building Permit. Fences and walls may require a building permit as required by the California Building Code. Fences over 6 feet in height and block walls will require a building permit with the exception of the following: block or retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
B. All fences, whether required or not, shall be located and limited in accordance with provisions of this Division.
C. Fences are required under various provisions of this Division and other laws, including, but not limited to, the screening and protection of parking areas, storage areas, swimming and therapeutic pools, and utility facilities.
D. Such required fences together with the facilities and activities required to be enclosed shall be located so as not to conflict with open space and yard setback requirements.
E. Conflict with State Law. In the case of fencing requirements pursuant to state law which unavoidably conflict with the requirements of this Division, the State requirements shall prevail. (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
Full Breakdown
Under Buena Park Municipal Code § 19.328.010, no fence may be built in any single-family residential (RS) zoning district until its plans and design are approved by the Planning Director through the zoning compliance review procedure. Separately, fences over 6 feet tall and block walls generally need a building permit under the California Building Code, though a block or retaining wall 4 feet or less measured from footing to top is exempt unless it supports a surcharge.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence without the required Planning Director approval or building permit is a zoning and building code violation, and the City can require corrective plans, a retroactive permit, or removal of the noncompliant fence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need approval to build a fence in Buena Park?
Does every fence need a building permit in Buena Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle fence permit requirements.