Permit Requirements: Chino vs Ontario
How do permit requirements rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet tall. Shorter fences must still comply with Development Code Ch. 83.06 height and setback rules.
View full Chino rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario requires a building permit for masonry walls and any fence over 7 feet under the California Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require permits. Standard 6-foot wood or vinyl fences typically do not.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Threshold | Over 6 feet tall | - |
| Front Yard Max | 3.5 feet | - |
| Side/Rear Max | 6 feet without permit | - |
| Building Division | (909) 387-8311 | - |
| Corner Sight Triangle | 3 ft within 25 ft | - |
| No Permit | - | Wood or vinyl up to 7 feet |
| Permit Required | - | Masonry and walls over 7 feet |
| Retaining Wall | - | Permit over 4 feet tall |
| Right-of-Way | - | Encroachment permit required |
| HOA | - | Separate from city permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need a permit for a fence in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
No permit is needed for fences 6 feet or shorter in side and rear yards or 3.5 feet or shorter in front yards. Any fence taller than 6 feet, or any retaining wall over 4 feet, requires a building permit from the county Building and Safety Division.
What is the fence height limit on a corner lot?
Corner lots must maintain a clear sight triangle, generally limiting fence height to 3 feet within 25 feet of the intersection to preserve visibility for vehicles and pedestrians.
How do I apply for a fence permit?
Submit your application through the San Bernardino County ePermit portal at epermits.sbcounty.gov or in person at Land Use Services in San Bernardino or Hesperia.
Ontario FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot wood fence in Ontario?
Usually not for the fence itself if it is not combined with a retaining wall or masonry. You still must meet Development Code setback and height rules.
What about a block wall between neighbors?
Yes, masonry block walls require a building permit for footings and reinforcement regardless of height.
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