Pomona Height Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Pomona's zoning ordinance (Article VIII) regulates fence and wall heights by yard location within residential and commercial zoning districts. In residential zones (R-1 single-family, R-2 low-density multi-family, R-3 medium-density multi-family), the front yard fence height limit is 3.5 feet (42 inches), measured from the finished grade on the higher side of the fence. This restriction applies to the entire front yard setback area — the space between the front property line and the front wall of the house — and covers all fences, walls, hedges, and similar barriers.

Side yard and rear yard fences may extend up to 6 feet in height measured from finished grade. The 6-foot limit applies from the point where the front yard setback ends to the rear property line on both sides. For interior lots, this is straightforward. For corner lots, Pomona requires maintenance of a sight-visibility triangle at the street intersection: within the triangular area formed by measuring 15 feet along each property line from the corner, no fence, wall, or dense hedge may exceed 3 feet in height. This requirement is critical for traffic safety and is strictly enforced.

When a fence is constructed on top of a retaining wall, the total combined height of the retaining wall and the fence above it is measured from the lower finished grade and must not exceed the applicable height limit for that yard location. If the combined height would exceed the limit, a zoning variance is required from the Planning Division. Pomona prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire, and any sharp-pointed fence topping in all residential zones. In commercial and industrial zones, barbed wire may be permitted on top of fences 6 feet or taller with Planning Division approval. Height is always measured from the highest adjacent finished grade.