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.
The Ontario Development Code sets standard residential fence and wall heights in all single-family and multi-family zones. Rear and interior side-yard fences can generally be up to 6 feet tall, measured from the adjacent grade. Front-yard fences are limited to roughly 3 feet for solid panels, or up to 4 feet if the upper portion is at least 50 percent open decorative metal or wrought iron. At street corners and driveway aprons, fences, walls, and hedges are limited to 42 inches within the sight-distance triangle required by the code to preserve driver visibility. Between exterior side yards along a street or a reversed corner lot, an intermediate setback may require the side fence to step down near the front. Lots abutting industrial or commercial zones often require a solid masonry wall up to 8 feet on the shared line for buffering. Measurements are taken from the lower side of the fence where grade differs. Heights above these standards require a variance or administrative adjustment.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle height limits.
See how Ontario's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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