Rialto, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Side/rear yards
- 6 feet maximum
- Front yard (solid fence/wall)
- 3.5 feet above curb level
- Front yard (open)
- 6 feet: hedge, chain link, wrought iron
- Street-abutting yards
- 6 feet max, 12 feet from curb
- Code section
- RMC 18.56.030
Summary
Rialto caps fences, hedges, and walls at six feet in required side and rear yards. In the required front yard setback, solid fences and walls max out at three and a half feet, though hedges, chain link, wrought iron, and block pilasters may reach six feet.
The maximum height of any fence, hedge or wall shall be six feet above the ground level within the required side or rear yards. Within the required front yard setback, the maximum side height of any solid fence or wall shall not exceed three and a half feet above the level of the curb along the front yard setback, provided, however, that a hedge or chain link fence, wrought iron fencing and block pilasters may be constructed to a maximum height of six feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 39).
Full Breakdown
Rialto Municipal Code Section 18.56.030 (Ord. 1234, 1995; amended by Ord. 1458, 2009) sets fence heights by yard location. On interior lots, fences up to six feet are allowed in side and rear yards, while solid front-yard fences are limited to three and a half feet measured from curb level. Where a side or rear yard abuts a street, fences may reach six feet but must sit at least twelve feet from the curb face. Fences over three and a half feet may not extend forward of the main structure on the street side except approved security fencing. The city's standard block wall detail tops out at six feet; anything over 42 inches needs a permit.
Violations & Fines
Over-height fences are zoning violations. Under Rialto Municipal Code Section 1.16.010, infractions carry fines of $100, $200, then $500 within two years; misdemeanor prosecution allows up to $1,000 and six months, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my backyard fence be in Rialto?
Can I build a 6-foot fence in my front yard in Rialto?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rialto
How Rialto compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Rialto 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.