Height Limits: Chino vs Fontana
How do height limits rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino and Fontana have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino Municipal Code Title 20 (Zoning) regulates fence heights through CMC § 20.10.080 (Walls and Fences). Typical residential standards allow 6 ft in side/rear yards and 42 in (3.5 ft) in required front yards, with corner-lot visibility triangles required at intersections.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana caps side and rear yard fences at 6 feet and front yard fences at roughly 36 to 42 inches. Building permits are required for solid walls over 42 inches and for open fencing over 48 inches. Taller decorative or security fences need Planning approval.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Front-yard typical max | 42 in (3 ft 6 in) | - |
| Rear/side-yard typical max | 6 ft | - |
| Building permit threshold | Fences over 6 ft (CBC § 105.2) | - |
| Code section | CMC § 20.10.080 (Walls and Fences) | - |
| Corner-lot sight triangle | Required at intersections/driveways | - |
| Planning Division | 909-334-3250 | - |
| Side/Rear Max | - | 6 ft without variance |
| Front Yard | - | 36 to 42 inches typical |
| Solid Permit | - | Over 42 in |
| Open Permit | - | Over 48 in |
| Pool Barrier | - | 60 in min (Title 24) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
What is the maximum fence height in my Chino backyard?
Generally 6 feet in side and rear yards under CMC § 20.10.080, without a building permit. Anything taller requires a permit under the California Building Code as adopted in CMC Title 15.
Can I install a 6-foot fence in my front yard?
No. Required front-yard setbacks limit fences to about 42 inches (3 ft 6 in) so they don't block sight lines. Contact Chino Planning at 909-334-3250 to confirm for your zoning district.
Do I need a permit for a 5-foot rear fence?
No building permit is required for fences 6 ft or less in rear/side yards, but verify your zone and any HOA covenants before installing.
Fontana FAQ
Can I build a 7-foot wall for privacy?
Only with Planning approval. Anything over 6 feet in most residential zones needs a variance or minor development review.
Do I need a permit for a 4-foot wood fence?
For a 4-foot wood fence generally no, but if it is a masonry wall the threshold drops to 42 inches solid. Check Planning to confirm.
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