Permit Requirements: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do permit requirements rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, 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 Rialto 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 | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Threshold | Over 6 feet tall | Over 6 feet (fence) or 4 feet (retaining) |
| 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 | - |
| Code | - | CBC and SBMC Title 15 |
| Contractor Rule | - | CSLB license for jobs over $500 |
| Department | - | Building and Safety |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rialto 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.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Rialto and San Bernardino 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