Development Code Chapter 83.06 regulates fences, hedges, and walls in unincorporated areas. Front yard: generally 4 feet (5 feet in RC/RL zones). Side/rear: 6 feet. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet need a permit.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 83.06 (Fences, Hedges, and Walls) establishes height limits by Table 83-6. In most residential zones, front yard fences are limited to 4 feet. Properties in Resource Conservation (RC) and Rural Living (RL) land use zoning districts — common in desert and mountain unincorporated areas — may have 5-foot front yard fences. Side and rear yard fences are generally limited to 6 feet. Fences and block walls over 6 feet require a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) require a permit. Fence height is measured per §83.06.040. Fences within allowed height limits are exempt from minimum setback requirements.
Fence over height limit without permit: Code Enforcement citation. Unpermitted retaining wall: stop work order and fine.
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See how San Bernardino County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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