Fence Regulations in San Bernardino, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in San Bernardino or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. San Bernardino has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.
Material Restrictions
In San Bernardino's foothill fire zones A, B and C and any state-designated very high fire hazard severity zone, § 15.10.080(B)(1) bans combustible fencing outright: fencing must be approved noncombustible or ignition-resistant material. The rule rides on top of the adopted California Building Code Chapter 7A wildfire standards.
Key details: Zones covered: foothill fire zones A, B, C. Also covers: state very high fire hazard zones. Fence material rule: noncombustible or ignition-resistant only. Governing section: SBMC § 15.10.080(B)(1). Zone map dated: October 29, 2008 (City Clerk).
Building or maintaining combustible fencing inside a mapped foothill fire zone or very high fire hazard severity zone violates § 15.10.080(B)(1) and, because it flows through the adopted Building Code chapter, is enforced the same as any other Building Code deficiency: the Building Official can deny permit sign-off, order a fix, or refer a misdemeanor citation carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail under § 1.12.010(A).
Fence Permit Requirements
San Bernardino exempts only fences up to 6 feet, and masonry or concrete fences up to 3 feet, from needing a building permit under Municipal Code § 15.04.070. Anything taller, or a taller masonry wall, needs a permit and Building Official review before construction starts.
Key details: Permit-exempt height: fences up to 6 feet. Masonry/concrete exempt to: 3 feet above grade. Masonry design standard: Building Official-approved or engineered. Governing section: SBMC § 15.04.070. Exemption does not waive: Development Code fence rules.
Building a fence over the 6-foot general threshold, or a masonry/concrete fence over 3 feet, without first obtaining a building permit violates § 15.04.030's rule that no structure may be built without complying with the appropriate Building Code provisions. That is enforced as a misdemeanor under the city's general penalty, § 1.12.010(A): up to $1,000 in fines, six months in county jail, or both, with each day the unpermitted fence stands potentially charged separately.
Neighbor Fence Rules
California Civil Code 841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act, presumes adjoining owners share equally in the cost of a boundary fence and requires 30 days' written notice before work.
Key details: State Statute: CA Civil Code 841. Notice: 30 days written notice. Default Split: Equal share of reasonable cost. Court Path: Small claims up to $12,500.
Civil action in small claims or superior court; no administrative citation for cost-sharing disputes.
San Bernardino is more permissive than most cities when it comes to neighbor fence rules. That said, there are still limits.
The Bottom Line
San Bernardino's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming San Bernardino is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that San Bernardino can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.