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 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.
Fence Requirements
San Bernardino fences must meet Development Code 19.20.030 for height, setback, and sight visibility, and use materials approved under the building code. Barbed and razor wire are limited to industrial zones.
Key details: Sight Triangle: 3 feet max in corner visibility area. Graffiti: Must be removed per SBMC 8.27. Razor Wire: Industrial only. Maintenance: Structurally sound required.
Citation for non-compliant materials, blocked visibility triangles, or graffiti not removed.
Material Restrictions
San Bernardino allows wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain link in most zones. Barbed wire, electrified fencing, and low-quality materials are restricted in residential zones.
Key details: Allowed Materials: Wood, vinyl, block, iron, steel, chain link. Prohibited Residential: Barbed wire, tarps, corrugated metal. Seismic Note: Masonry over 6 feet needs engineering. Code: Development Code 19.20.030.
Citation and required replacement for non-conforming materials.
Pool Barriers
California Health and Safety Code 115920 through 115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) requires a 60-inch non-climbable barrier plus at least one additional drowning-prevention feature for residential pools.
Key details: State Law: H&S Code 115920 through 115929. Barrier Height: 60 inches minimum. Opening Limit: 4 inches maximum. Required Features: At least 2 of 7.
Permit denial, stop-work, and seller-disclosure liability; higher liability exposure for owners after drownings.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Bernardino actively enforces its pool barriers requirements.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls over four feet from the bottom of the footing, or any wall supporting a surcharge, require a building permit and engineered plans under the California Building Code.
Key details: Permit Threshold: Over 4 feet or with surcharge. Engineer: Licensed CA engineer stamp. Seismic Concern: Near San Andreas and San Jacinto faults. Building and Safety: 909-384-5065.
Stop-work, red-tag, and required engineered retrofit for unpermitted walls.
Permit Requirements
San Bernardino requires a building permit for fences and walls over six feet in height and for all retaining walls over four feet measured from the bottom of the footing.
Key details: Permit Threshold: Over 6 feet (fence) or 4 feet (retaining). Code: CBC and SBMC Title 15. Contractor Rule: CSLB license for jobs over $500. Department: Building and Safety.
Stop-work order, citation, and required removal or retroactive permitting for non-compliant fences.
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.
Height Limits
San Bernardino Development Code 19.20.030 limits residential fences to four feet in front yards and six feet in side and rear yards. Taller fences need a fence height modification permit.
Key details: Front Yard: 4 feet max. Side and Rear: 6 feet max. Residential Modification: Up to 8 feet with permit. Code: Development Code 19.20.030.
Citation and removal order for fences over permitted height; potential structural issues for unpermitted walls.
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.