In unincorporated Orange County, fences up to 6 feet are generally allowed in side and rear yards. Front yard fences and walls are limited to 3.5 feet within visibility triangles. Chain-link fences are not allowed in front setback areas.
Orange County's zoning code regulates fences in unincorporated areas. Side and rear yard fences up to 6 feet are standard. Front yard fences, walls, and hedges must not exceed 3.5 feet within visibility triangles at access driveways and street intersections. Chain-link fencing is prohibited in front setback areas. Fences over 6 feet require building permits. Retaining walls over 4 feet require permits and engineering. Pool barrier fences must be at least 60 inches per California Building Code. The county's property maintenance code requires fences to be maintained in good condition. Dilapidated or damaged fences are among the most common code violations in OC. In fire-prone areas, fire-resistant fencing materials may be required.
Non-compliant fences (height, materials, location) face violation notices and fines of $100-$1,000 through administrative citations. Chain-link in front must be removed.
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