Three feet on most residential streets and four feet on streets designated as arterials in the city's General Plan circulation element. That is the front-yard limit in Santa Ana Municipal Code section 41-610 as of November 2026. Other walls and fences in residential zones can be up to 8 feet.
The limits at a glance
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Front-yard fence, most streets | 3 feet |
| Front-yard fence on an arterial street | 4 feet |
| All other walls and fences | 8 feet |
| Permit | Required for a front-yard fence over 18 inches |
How do I know if my street is an arterial?
Arterials are the larger streets shown in the circulation element of the Santa Ana General Plan. If you are not sure, ask the planning division or send us your address.
Where is height measured from?
The code measures from the top of the curb or the established grade, depending on the situation. On a sloped lot, ask before you assume.
Which zones does this cover?
Section 41-610 covers the residential zones and certain residential uses in specific development districts. Commercial and industrial properties follow other sections, and the city has been updating its zoning code, so confirm the current text.
Sources, as of November 2026: Santa Ana Municipal Code section 41-610 (residential fences and walls); City of Santa Ana zoning code update materials (2025). General information, not legal advice.
Updated November 2026