Huntington Beach Permit Requirements Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsThe Short Version
In Huntington Beach, wood and chain-link fences up to 6 feet in height generally do not require a building permit but must still comply with zoning setback and height regulations. Masonry, concrete block, and brick walls exceeding 3.5 feet in height require a building permit with structural engineering plans. Any fence or wall exceeding 6 feet requires a building permit. Properties within the Coastal Zone overlay may require additional Coastal Development Permits or design review regardless of fence height or materials.
Full Breakdown
Huntington Beach fence permit requirements are governed by the city's locally adopted California Building Code and its Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. Under the building code, fences of wood, vinyl, chain-link, or wrought iron at or below 6 feet in height are generally exempt from building permit requirements. However, these fences must still comply with all zoning regulations regarding height limits by yard location, setbacks, sight-distance triangle requirements on corner lots, and prohibited materials. Property owners are encouraged to contact the Planning Division before installation to confirm compliance.
Masonry walls — including concrete block (CMU), brick, stucco-over-block, and stone walls — that exceed 3.5 feet in height require a building permit. The permit application must include structural engineering plans prepared and stamped by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer, as masonry walls are subject to seismic loading standards. Retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall also require a building permit and engineered plans. When a fence is built on top of a retaining wall, the combined height determines the permit threshold.
Properties located within the Huntington Beach Coastal Zone overlay face additional permitting requirements. Fence and wall construction in the Coastal Zone may require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) or an exemption determination from the Planning Division, depending on the scope of the project and its potential impact on coastal resources and public views. Even permit-exempt fences may need Coastal Zone review before installation.
All fence-related permits are processed through the Huntington Beach Building and Safety Division at (714) 536-5241. The Community Development Department counter at City Hall also accepts applications and provides zoning verification. Processing times for standard fence permits are typically two to four weeks.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Installing a fence without required permits is a code violation. After-the-fact permits carry double fees plus potential penalties. Non-compliant fences may be subject to code enforcement orders requiring removal or modification. In the Coastal Zone, unpermitted construction may result in enforcement action by both the city and the California Coastal Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a wood fence in Huntington Beach?
Do I need a permit for a block wall in Huntington Beach?
What additional permits do I need in the Coastal Zone?
Sources & Official References
How does Huntington Beach compare?
See how Huntington Beach's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.