Rancho Cucamonga, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- General permit rule
- Building Code § [A]114.1, as amended
- Fence exemption
- Up to 6 ft (wood/metal), 3 ft (masonry)
- Local amendment
- Municipal Code § 15.12.010
- Appeals body
- 3-member Board of Appeals, § [A]113.1
- Misdemeanor penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
Rancho Cucamonga makes it unlawful to erect, construct, alter or maintain any building, structure or regulated system without the required permit under Building Code section 114.1 as locally amended. The city exempts fences up to 6 feet (or 3-foot masonry walls) from permitting under section 105.2.
[A]114.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish, occupy or maintain any building, structure or equipment regulated by this code, or cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code... Section [A]105.2 of the Building Code is hereby amended by amending item 2 to read as follows: 2. Wood, chain-link, plastic, metal or similar fences not over 6 feet in height or masonry, concrete fence not over 3 feet in height above the lowest adjacent grade.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 15.12 amends the California Building Code as adopted by the city. Amended section [A]114.1 makes it unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish, occupy or maintain any building, structure or equipment regulated by the code in conflict with any code provision, effectively requiring a permit for that regulated work. Section [A]114.3, added locally, defines an 'unpermitted structure or system' as any building, structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical system erected, altered, repaired, or converted without the required permit, or under a permit that later expired, and bars owning, using, occupying or maintaining it.
Section 15.12.010 amends item 2 of Building Code section [A]105.2's exempt-work list specifically for the city: wood, chain-link, plastic or metal fences up to 6 feet high, and masonry or concrete fences up to 3 feet above the lowest adjacent grade, do not need a building permit. Anything exceeding those heights needs a permit. Section [A]113.1, also locally amended, creates a 3-member, 2-alternate Board of Appeals to hear disputes over the Building Official's application or interpretation of the code, with the Building Official serving as non-voting secretary.
Violations of Title 15 (which includes the Building Code chapter) are misdemeanors under section 15.04.020, punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense; the city may also pursue civil nuisance abatement under section 15.04.030.
Violations & Fines
Constructing, altering or maintaining a permit-regulated structure or system without the required permit, or occupying an unpermitted structure under section [A]114.3, is a misdemeanor under section 15.04.020, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a backyard fence in Rancho Cucamonga?
What counts as an unpermitted structure?
What happens if I build without a required permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cucamonga
California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cucamonga to another location·View the California building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle building permits.