Height Limits: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do height limits rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Rear and Side | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Front Yard | 3 feet solid or 4 feet with openwork | 4 feet max |
| Corner Sight | 42 inches in triangle | - |
| Buffer Walls | Up to 8 feet industrial edge | - |
| Deviation | Variance or adjustment required | - |
| 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.
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.
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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