Most fence materials are allowed in unincorporated Riverside County but barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences are restricted to agricultural zones under Ordinance 348. In WUI fire zones, Ord. 787 and CBC Chapter 7A encourage non-combustible materials next to structures. Scenic corridors prohibit reflective and industrial fence types.
Ordinance 348 allows a broad range of fence materials on residential parcels: wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, masonry (CMU, stucco), and tubular steel. Barbed wire is allowed only in agricultural zones (A-1, A-2, A-P) and on non-residential industrial parcels; on residential parcels it is typically prohibited or allowed only on the top 12 inches of a fence 6 feet or taller on parcels 1 acre or larger. Razor or concertina wire is banned in all residential and most commercial zones and limited to industrial and correctional uses with Planning approval. Electric fencing is permitted in agricultural zones for livestock confinement only, subject to CEC standards and warning signage. In WUI Fire Hazard Severity Zones, California Building Code Chapter 7A and Cal Fire guidance encourage non-combustible fence materials (masonry, metal) within 5 feet of structures; wooden fences directly attached to homes can act as fire bridges. Scenic highway corridors (SR-74, SR-243) restrict chain link visible from the roadway and often require vinyl-coated or dark powder-coated alternatives. HOAs frequently impose material-specific standards exceeding county rules.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Riverside County, CA
California Penal Code section 647(c) prohibits accosting people for money in public. Riverside County supplements the state rule with Ordinance 743 restricti...
Riverside County, CA
Riverside County Ordinance 847 allows the Sheriff to declare a gathering an unruly disturbance and bill responsible parties for response costs. Repeat unruly...
Riverside County, CA
California Government Code section 7597 bans smoking in state parks and beaches. Riverside County Ordinance 539 prohibits smoking in regional parks and open ...
Riverside County, CA
California Health and Safety Code section 11362.3 prohibits smoking or consuming cannabis in public places. Riverside County applies the rule across unincorp...
Riverside County, CA
California Business and Professions Code section 25620 prohibits possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in public places. Riverside County Ordina...
Riverside County, CA
Riverside County Ordinance 348 zoning prohibits commercial auto repair as a home business. Residents may perform incidental repairs on personal vehicles, but...
See how Riverside County's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.