Fence Installation Permits in Fullerton

Local Rule

City of Fullerton Community and Economic Development

Fullerton exempts masonry or concrete fences not over 3 feet, and all other fences not over 6 feet, from a building permit, per the city's local amendment to Section R105.2 of the adopted residential code. Retaining walls not over 4 feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are also exempt unless supporting a surcharge. Zoning under Chapter 15.17 (R-1, R-1P, R-2, R-2P) and Chapter 15.30 (commercial) separately governs fence and wall height and location within setback and vision-clearance areas; where a common property line exists between commercial and residential property, no wall, fence, or landscaping over 3 feet is allowed within the triangular vision-clearance area at the intersection.

Source · Verified September 2026

Fullerton Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Orange County

Fullerton's own rule is shown above (No permit under 6 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

City/County zoning

In Orange County, California's fence rules apply: a fence over 6 feet in the rear or side yard, or over about 3.5 feet in the front yard, typically needs a permit, and in CAL FIRE-mapped fire-hazard zones the fence must use non-combustible materials. California's Good Neighbor Fence Law (Civil Code 841) presumes neighbors share the cost of a boundary fence, and pool barriers must be at least 60 inches with two safety features. Incorporated cities may set their own limits.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Fullerton with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:

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