Fence Regulations in Rialto, CA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Rialto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Rialto caps fences, hedges, and walls at six feet in required side and rear yards. In the required front yard setback, solid fences and walls max out at three and a half feet, though hedges, chain link, wrought iron, and block pilasters may reach six feet.
Rialto Fence Height Limits: 6 Feet Max
Some RestrictionsRialto Municipal Code Section 18.56.030(A)
The maximum height of any fence, hedge or wall shall be six feet above the ground level within the required side or rear yards. Within the required front yard setback, the maximum side height of any solid fence or wall shall not exceed three and a half feet above the level of the curb along the front yard setback, provided, however, that a hedge or chain link fence, wrought iron fencing and blo...
Permit Requirements
Rialto requires permits for walls taller than 42 inches and building permits for all masonry and retaining walls. Block walls get three city inspections, and walls crossing a property line need a signed fence agreement.
Fence and Wall Permit Rules in Rialto
Some RestrictionsCity of Rialto Development Services Dept., Concrete Block Wall Standard (Rev. 04-23-15), Notes 6-7 and General Note 12
6. PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR WALLS HIGHER THAN 42". 7. A SIGNED BLOCK WALL OR FENCE AGREEMENT IS REQUIRED IF ANY PORTION OF THE WALL CROSSES A PROPERTY LINE. ... 12. Inspections Required: 1st - Footing (Setbacks and footing trench with reinforcing steel in place), 2nd - Bond Beam (Reinforcing steel in wall prior to grouting), 3rd - Final (Wall complete, earth properly placed and site clean). (No...
Neighbor Fence Rules
Walls crossing a Rialto property line require written, possibly notarized, permission from the adjacent owner plus a signed block wall or fence agreement. California Civil Code Section 841 presumes neighbors split boundary fence costs equally after 30 days written notice.
Shared Fences and Property-Line Walls in Rialto
Some RestrictionsCity of Rialto Development Services Dept., Concrete Block Wall Standard (Rev. 04-23-15), Note 7 and General Note 11
7. A SIGNED BLOCK WALL OR FENCE AGREEMENT IS REQUIRED IF ANY PORTION OF THE WALL CROSSES A PROPERTY LINE. ... 11. If any portion of the wall, including the footing, is to extend across a property line, written permission from the adjacent property owner is required. (Notarization of the signature of the adjacent property owner may be required.)
Retaining Walls
Rialto's standard block wall design may not retain any earth, so retaining walls need their own building permit and engineered design through Building and Safety, with footing, bond beam, and final inspections before approval.
Retaining Wall Standards in Rialto
Some RestrictionsCity of Rialto Development Services Dept., Concrete Block Wall Standard (Rev. 04-23-15), Note 2 and General Note 5
2. THIS STANDARD CONCRETE BLOCK WALL SHALL NOT BE USED TO RETAIN ANY EARTH / DIRT. ... ALL FOOTINGS SHALL BE A MINIMUM OF 5 FOOT TO DAYLIGHT. ... 5. Footings shall be level. If ground slopes, footing shall be stepped so that the top and bottom of the footing are level. All excavations shall be clean and contain no loose earth or other foreign materials. Concrete used in the footings shall, as a...
Pool Barriers
Every Rialto pool, spa, or hot tub holding water over 18 inches deep must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates, installed and approved before the pool is plastered or filled.
Pool Fence and Barrier Requirements in Rialto
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Rialto Building & Safety, Swimming Pool/Spa and Hot Tub Fencing Requirements (Rev. 04-23-15)
The City of Rialto's pool fencing regulations require that all swimming pools be surrounded by a protective barrier fence or wall. This fence or wall may surround the pool itself or the entire premises. The barrier shall be installed, inspected and approved prior to plastering or filling with water. (Exception: Self-contained spas and hot tubs with listed locking safety covers will not require ...
Material Restrictions
Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in all Rialto residential zones, and no sharp points may top any fence under six feet. City design standards also require decorative, durable materials and restrict undersized concrete block.
Banned Fence Materials in Rialto
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Rialto Development Services Dept., Concrete Block Wall Standard (Standard Concrete Masonry Units), Rev. 04-23-15, Notes 1-7
NOTES: 1. MINIMUM BLOCK WIDTH IS 8" FOR SLUMPBLOCK AND 6" FOR PRECISION BLOCK. 6" WIDE SLUMPBLOCK AND 4" WIDE PRECISION BLOCK ARE NOT PERMITTED. 2. THIS STANDARD CONCRETE BLOCK WALL SHALL NOT BE USED TO RETAIN ANY EARTH / DIRT. 3. TYPE & COLOR OF BLOCK AND/OR FINISH SHALL MATCH AND/OR BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE SURROUNDING PROPERTIES. 4. NO CONCRETE OR GROUT TO BE PLACED PRIOR TO INSPECTION AND APP...
Approved Materials
Rialto Code §18.61.170 (Fences and Walls) within the Chapter 18.61 Design Guidelines governs fence material standards. Standard residential materials (wood, masonry block, wrought iron, vinyl) are allowed; barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are restricted to specified non-residential contexts under the zoning code.
Allowed and Prohibited Fence Materials in Rialto
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rialto city rules.
Fence Regulations in San Bernardino County →