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Santa Ana · Building on your lot

Fences and walls in Santa Ana

In residential zones, front-yard fences are limited to 3 feet, or 4 feet on arterial streets; other walls and fences, 8 feet.

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Key points

  • Fence height: In residential zones, front-yard fences are limited to 3 feet, or 4 feet on arterial streets; other walls and fences, 8 feet.

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

What Santa Ana's code says

Santa Ana code What Santa Ana's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot
  • No higher than 8 feet, measured from the curb top or grade.
    Applies: Residential zones (RE, R1 to R4, residential uses in specific development districts except SD No. 19); walls and fences other than front yard fences.
    § 41-610 · code text
    All other walls and fences shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height, measured from the top of the curb or established grade upward.
Front yard height
  • No higher than 4 feet.
    Applies: Front yard fences on arterial streets in residential zones (RE, R1 to R4, residential specific development uses, except SD No. 19).
    § 41-610 · code text
    Front yard fences four (4) feet in height on those streets defined and designated in the circulation element of the city's general plan as arterial streets and three (3) feet in height on all other streets, measured from the top of the curb or established grade upward.
  • No higher than 3 feet.
    Applies: Front yard fences on non-arterial streets in residential zones (RE, R1 to R4, residential specific development uses, except SD No. 19).
    § 41-610 · code text
    Front yard fences four (4) feet in height on those streets defined and designated in the circulation element of the city's general plan as arterial streets and three (3) feet in height on all other streets, measured from the top of the curb or established grade upward.
Permit
  • Yes. A permit is required for a front yard fence over 18 inches.
    Applies: Residential zones (RE, R1 to R4, residential specific development uses, except SD No. 19).
    § 41-610 · code text
    no front yard fence over eighteen (18) inches in height shall be constructed without the issuance of a permit therefore by the planning and building agency.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Santa Ana?

In residential zones, front-yard fences are limited to 3 feet, or 4 feet on arterial streets; other walls and fences, 8 feet.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Santa Ana property

Ask GoCodebook how Santa Ana's fences and walls rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Santa Ana Municipal Code — full text