Ontario, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard max (residential)
- 3 ft
- Side / rear / street-side max
- 6 ft
- Subdivision perimeter wall
- 6 ft (decorative masonry required)
- Measurement
- Top of wall to lowest adjacent finished grade, exterior side
- Code Section
- Development Code 6.02.020.C
Summary
In Ontario residential zones, walls and fences within a front yard may not exceed 3 feet, while interior side, rear, street-side, and subdivision-perimeter walls or fences may not exceed 6 feet. Anything in a required front or street-side setback that affects safe sight lines is capped at 3 feet.
C. Height. The maximum height of a walls or fences located within a residential zoning district shall be as listed below. The wall height shall be measured on the street side or exterior side of the wall, from the top of the wall to the lowest adjacent finished grade. 1. Subdivision Perimeter Walls and Fences. Subdivision perimeter walls shall not exceed 6 FT in height... 2. Street Side Yard Walls and Fences. Street side yard walls or fences shall not exceed 6 FT in height... 3. Interior Side and Rear Property Line Walls and Fences. Interior side and rear yard property line walls or fences shall not exceed 6 FT in height... 4. Front Yard Walls and Fences. Walls or fences within a front yard area shall not exceed 3 FT in height, except as permitted by Paragraphs C.5 (Walls and Fences in Conjunction with Retaining Walls) and C.7 (Sound Attenuation Walls) of this Section.
Full Breakdown
Ontario Development Code Division 6.02 (Walls, Fences, and Obstructions), Section 6.02.020.C governs residential heights. Height is measured on the street or exterior side of the wall, from the top of the wall to the lowest adjacent finished grade. Subdivision perimeter walls (6.02.020.C.1), street side yard walls (C.2), and interior side/rear property line walls (C.3) are each capped at 6 feet; front yard walls and fences (C.4) are capped at 3 feet. Section 6.02.015.F separately limits any wall, fence, hedge, or plant growth that adversely affects safe ingress or egress to 3 feet within a required front or street-side yard setback. Greater heights are allowed only for walls combined with retaining walls (C.5), tiered retaining walls (C.6), or acoustic sound-attenuation walls (C.7) approved by the Planning Director. Single-family subdivisions must provide 6-foot decorative masonry perimeter walls per 6.02.020.A.1. In nonresidential zones (6.02.025.C), interior side/rear limits rise to 8 ft (commercial/mixed-use), 14 ft (industrial), or 6 ft (other), per Table 6.02-1.
Violations & Fines
Walls and fences are subject to review and approval by the Planning Director regardless of whether a building permit is required (6.02.005.B). Over-height fences are enforced by Community Improvement; structures placed in the right-of-way must be removed by the owner within 7 days of notice or the City removes them at the owner's expense (6.02.015.D).
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my backyard fence be in Ontario?
Why is my front yard fence limited to 3 feet?
Can I build higher than 6 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
How Ontario compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle height limits.