Garden Grove Permit Requirements Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Garden Grove requires building permits for fence and wall construction projects that meet specific thresholds under the California Building Code as locally adopted. Wood fences, vinyl fences, and chain-link fences that are 6 feet or under in height are generally exempt from building permit requirements. However, all fences — whether or not a permit is required — must comply with the city's zoning regulations regarding height limits, setbacks, sight triangles on corner lots, and prohibited materials.

Block walls, concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls, brick walls, and other masonry fences exceeding 3.5 feet in height typically require a building permit from the Building and Safety Division. The permit application must include a site plan showing the proposed fence location in relation to property lines, the proposed fence height and construction materials, and structural details for masonry construction including footing specifications and rebar placement. Retaining walls that exceed 4 feet in height from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall require both a building permit and engineered structural plans prepared and stamped by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer.

Fences or walls proposed within the public right-of-way — including areas between the sidewalk and the curb — require an encroachment permit from the City of Garden Grove Public Works Department in addition to any required building permits. Property owners should verify their exact property boundaries before constructing fences near the property line. A licensed surveyor can establish precise boundaries and help avoid encroachment onto neighboring property or city right-of-way.

Permit applications are submitted to the Garden Grove Building and Safety Division at City Hall. Standard fence permits are typically reviewed within one to three weeks for simple projects. Inspections are required for permitted block wall and retaining wall construction to verify footing depth, rebar placement, mortar quality, and structural integrity. Contact the Building and Safety Division at (714) 741-5312 for permit fee schedules and submission requirements.