Permit Requirements: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do permit requirements rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino requires a building permit for fences and walls over six feet in height and for all retaining walls over four feet measured from the bottom of the footing.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 6 feet (fence) or 4 feet (retaining) |
| Code | - | CBC and SBMC Title 15 |
| Contractor Rule | - | CSLB license for jobs over $500 |
| Department | - | Building and Safety |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I need a permit for a six-foot wood fence?
Generally no. A permit is required once the fence exceeds six feet; below that, Development Code rules still apply.
What about a short retaining wall?
Retaining walls four feet and under (measured from the bottom of the footing) are usually permit-exempt; anything taller needs a Building and Safety permit.
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