Height Limits: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do height limits rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino Development Code 19.20.030 limits residential fences to four feet in front yards and six feet in side and rear yards. Taller fences need a fence height modification permit.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Front Yard | - | 4 feet max |
| Side and Rear | - | 6 feet max |
| Residential Modification | - | Up to 8 feet with permit |
| Code | - | Development Code 19.20.030 |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I build an eight-foot fence in my backyard?
Only with a fence height modification permit through Planning; the by-right limit in residential side and rear yards is six feet.
What about the fence along the corner of the lot?
Corner lots have a sight-visibility triangle that limits fences and landscaping near intersections; expect lower heights there.
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