Riverside County, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Requirements (2026)

Riverside County Zoning Ordinance No. 348 imposes few affirmative fencing requirements on existing homes - Section 18.49 sets standards mainly through prohibited materials rather than mandatory installation. However, the County's Countywide Design Standards and Guidelines require new residential development on smaller lots to install perimeter fencing: new residences on lots of less than 20,000 square feet are directed to include rear and side yard fencing of masonry block, a minimum of 5 feet in height, with a target maximum of 6 feet. Certain uses carry mandatory enclosure requirements in Ordinance No. 348 - for example, swimming pools, trash enclosures, and specific commercial or agricultural uses require solid six-foot walls or fences. Statewide rules also apply: under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sec. 115922), residential pool enclosures must be at least 60 inches (5 feet) high with no gap over 2 inches at the bottom and self-closing, self-latching gates. Within highway specific-plan rights of way, Ordinance No. 348 (Sec. 18.36) limits fences to 30 inches. Because requirements depend heavily on zone classification, lot size, and use, owners of new construction should confirm perimeter-wall obligations with County Planning before final occupancy.