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San Juan Capistrano · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in San Juan Capistrano

Solid front-yard fences: at most 3 feet, or 5 feet with approval and open bars above 3 feet; side and rear yards, 6 feet.

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Key points

  • Fence height: Solid front-yard fences: at most 3 feet, or 5 feet with approval and open bars above 3 feet; side and rear yards, 6 feet.

Each rule below links to the section of the San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What San Juan Capistrano's code says

San Juan Capistrano code What San Juan Capistrano's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot
  • Up to 10 feet combined.
    Applies: A retaining wall with a fence, with administrative approval.
    § 9-3.517 · code text
    The combined height of a retaining wall with fence may exceed six feet to a maximum of 10 feet.
Front yard height
  • No more than 3 feet high.
    Applies: Solid fences in any required front yard in residential districts.
    § 9-3.517 · code text
    Solid fences shall not exceed a height of three feet in any required front yard.
  • Up to 5 feet high.
    Applies: Residential front yards, with Planning Director approval. The part above 3 feet must be open vertical bars, and sight distance confirmed by the City Engineer.
    § 9-3.517 · code text
    the Planning Director, upon an application, may approve fences in front yards up to five feet in height if all of the following requirements are met:
Side and rear yard height
  • No more than 6 feet high.
    Applies: Required side or rear yards in residential districts.
    § 9-3.517 · code text
    Fences erected within required side or rear yards shall not exceed a height of six feet.
  • No more than 3 feet high.
    Applies: Street side of a corner lot next to a key lot, within 5 feet of the street right-of-way line beside the side yard.
    § 9-3.517 · code text
    fences on the exterior (street) side of a corner lot shall not exceed a height of three feet if placed within five feet of the street right-of-way line adjoining the side yard of a said corner lot.
Permit
  • Yes. Building permits are required before fences are built.
    § 9-3.517 · code text
    Building permits shall be required prior to the erection of fences in accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Building Code and Title 8

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in San Juan Capistrano?

Solid front-yard fences: at most 3 feet, or 5 feet with approval and open bars above 3 feet; side and rear yards, 6 feet.

General information, not legal advice.

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San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code — full text