San Bernardino County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front/street side max
- 4 ft. in most zones
- Interior side/rear max
- 6 ft. in most zones
- Commercial/industrial side-rear
- 10 ft.
- Corner sight triangle max
- 30 inches
- Relief option
- Use Permit or Variance
Summary
Fences and walls in unincorporated San Bernardino County top out at 4 feet in front and street-side setbacks, 6 feet on interior side and rear lines for most zones, and drop to 30 inches inside corner sight triangles.
Fences, hedges, and walls may be erected/maintained within required setback areas to the heights identified in Table 83-6, below. See also Figure 83-5.
Table 83-6 Maximum Height of Fences, Hedges, and Walls Within Setbacks Land Use Zoning Districts Maximum Height in Setbacks(1) Table 83-6 Maximum Height of Fences, Hedges, and Walls Within Setbacks Land Use Zoning Districts Maximum Height in Setbacks(1) Front Street Side Interior Side Rear
Commercial land use zoning districts(2) 4 ft. 4 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. Industrial land use zoning districts(2) 6 ft. 6 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. All other land use zoning districts 4 ft. 4 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. Notes:
(1) Fence heights in excess of these standards may be allowed by an approved Use Permit, Variance, Tract or Parcel Map or when required by the County for reasons of the health and safety of the general public. In the RC and RL land use zoning districts, open fences may go up to a maximum of 5 feet in the front setbacks and street side setbacks.
(2) Projects adjacent to residential districts shall use the standard of “All other land use zoning district.”
Figure 83-5 Allowed Fence Height in Residential Land Use Zoning Districts [https://export.amlegal.com/media/5aa9880e46a9a29f51cf418794b3335ebc327f29/ IMAGES/0-0-0-11037.jpg]
(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)
Full Breakdown
Development Code Table 83-6 caps fence, hedge, and wall height within required setbacks at 4 ft. front/street side and 6 ft. interior side/rear in most residential and other zoning districts (10 ft. side/rear allowed in commercial and industrial zones). The Director can approve taller fences through a Use Permit, Variance, or Tract/Parcel Map, and RC and RL zone open fences may reach 5 ft. in front and street-side setbacks. Separately, § 83.02.030 bars fences, walls, signs, and other obstructions over 30 inches tall within the clear sight triangle at roadway and driveway intersections (30 ft. from the corner at roadway intersections, 10 ft. at driveways), and bans hedges or shrubbery there outright regardless of height.
Violations & Fines
Height measured from finished grade (or the lower parcel's grade on a sloped line); building/planning staff cite oversize fences and corner obstructions as code violations requiring removal or a retroactive Use Permit/Variance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a backyard fence be in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
Can I build a taller fence near a street corner?
Can I get a taller fence approved than the table allows?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
How San Bernardino County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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