Height Limits: Chino vs Ontario
How do height limits rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario 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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario limits residential fence heights under the Development Code. Typical maximums are 6 feet rear/side, 3 feet front, and 42 inches in sight-distance triangles at corners. Taller fences need a variance.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Rear and Side | - | 6 feet maximum |
| Front Yard | - | 3 feet solid or 4 feet with openwork |
| Corner Sight | - | 42 inches in triangle |
| Buffer Walls | - | Up to 8 feet industrial edge |
| Deviation | - | Variance or adjustment required |
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.
Ontario FAQ
Can I build a 6-foot front fence in Ontario?
No. Front-yard fences are generally limited to 3 feet solid or 4 feet with at least half open decorative metal. A 6-foot front fence requires a variance.
Does a corner lot have extra rules?
Yes. Fences within the 42-inch sight-distance triangle at corners and driveways cannot block driver visibility.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Ontario compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool