Tustin, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

The City of Tustin Community Development Department's user guide states that a building permit and zoning yard setback verification is required to construct a fence or wall over three feet in height, above finished grade. The guide repeats that building permits are required to construct any fences over three feet in height, and retaining walls two feet and over in height, above finished grade. Building permit and zoning verification are also required for any maintenance or repair that replaces or establishes new footings and/or joints for walls and fences over six feet in height. Walls proposed over six feet tall may require engineering details (footing, reinforcement, calculations) to be provided and approved before the permit is issued; walls that vary from the City's standard CMU wall detail require calculations stamped by a California registered Civil or Structural Engineer. Submittal requires a permit application with fees, HOA approval where applicable, and two copies of a plot plan showing lot dimensions, the location and dimensioned yard setbacks of the proposed walls/fences, plus proposed height, color and materials. Inspections are required at footing (steel in place before concrete), a pre-grout inspection for masonry walls, and a final inspection. Permits are usually issued over the counter. Within the Old Town Cultural Resources District some fences and walls also require a Certificate of Appropriateness.