Yorba Linda, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Yorba Linda Municipal Code Section 15.04.020 amends Section 105.2, Work exempt from permits, of the adopted California Building Code, revising items 2 and 4 and adding item 14. Item 2 exempts masonry or concrete fences not over 3 feet (1,829 mm) in height, measured from the lowest adjacent finish grade, from the permit requirement. Item 14, added locally, extends that exemption to wrought iron, wood, vinyl, or chain link fences not over 6 feet high, measured the same way. Because Section 105.2 only lists exemptions from Section 105.1's general permit mandate, any fence exceeding these height thresholds, a masonry or concrete fence over 3 feet or a wrought iron, wood, vinyl, or chain link fence over 6 feet, requires a building permit reviewed by the Building Official under the amended administration provisions of Chapter 15.04.

Separately, Section 18.26.090 in the zoning title caps most fences and walls citywide at 6 feet on the side facing an adjacent property and 9 feet on the side facing the subject property, with front-yard fences limited to 36 inches, and requires any retaining wall over 4 feet to also secure a permit under Section 105.2, item 4, since only shorter retaining walls are exempt.