Redlands, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

The City of Redlands regulates fence materials by context rather than a flat list of banned materials. Under RMC 18.168.020, a permitted front-yard fence must be an 'open fence,' defined as a type composed of wire mesh (or similar) capable of admitting at least 90% of light — so a solid 4-foot fence is not an 'open fence' for front-yard purposes, and solid fences/walls in a required front yard are capped at 3 feet. Under RMC 18.168.030, required buffer walls separating commercial/industrial from residential uses must be solid masonry, not wood or chain link. For building-permit purposes, the city distinguishes materials by exemption threshold: wood, chain-link, plastic, vinyl, and metal fences not over 6 feet are generally exempt, while masonry or concrete fences over 3 feet require a permit. The most significant material constraint is design review: in Redlands' designated historic districts and on designated historic resources, exterior changes — including fences and walls — require a Certificate of Appropriateness reviewed against the city's design guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. There is no statewide fence-material ban; California Civil Code 841 addresses cost, not material. Verify any material choice in a historic area with Planning before installing.