San Bernardino, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Zones covered
- foothill fire zones A, B, C
- Also covers
- state very high fire hazard zones
- Fence material rule
- noncombustible or ignition-resistant only
- Governing section
- SBMC § 15.10.080(B)(1)
- Zone map dated
- October 29, 2008 (City Clerk)
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
In San Bernardino's foothill fire zones A, B and C and any state-designated very high fire hazard severity zone, § 15.10.080(B)(1) bans combustible fencing outright: fencing must be approved noncombustible or ignition-resistant material. The rule rides on top of the adopted California Building Code Chapter 7A wildfire standards.
§ 15.10.060 APPLICABILITY. The requirements of this chapter shall apply to those properties located in foothill fire zones A, B or C, as defined in Chapter 19.15, and those properties located in a very high fire hazard severity zone, as designated by the state.
§ 15.10.080 APPLICABLE BUILDING STANDARDS.
(B) In addition, the following requirements shall apply as noted herein.
(1) Fencing shall be of approved noncombustible or ignition-resistant material.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
10, Foothill Fire Zone Building Standards, exists to cut the risk of structures igniting from wind-driven wildland fire in the hill areas of the city. 15, and to any parcel inside a state-designated very high fire hazard severity zone, such as the zones shown on the city's October 29, 2008 Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones map on file with the City Clerk at 300 N. D Street. 080(B)(1) adds a flat local rule that fencing be approved noncombustible or ignition-resistant material, with no exceptions carved out in the text.
The same subsection also bans roof-mounted turbine vents, requires Class A non-wood roofing, prohibits paper-faced attic insulation and sets vinyl-window certification standards, so a fence built of ordinary wood pickets or vinyl panels inside these mapped zones does not meet the adopted standard and can be rejected at permit or flagged on inspection. The chapter dates to Ord. MC-960 in 1996 and was last updated for the current CBC cycle by Ord. MC-1643, passed October 2, 2024.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining combustible fencing inside a mapped foothill fire zone or very high fire hazard severity zone violates § 15.10.080(B)(1) and, because it flows through the adopted Building Code chapter, is enforced the same as any other Building Code deficiency: the Building Official can deny permit sign-off, order a fix, or refer a misdemeanor citation carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail under § 1.12.010(A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a wood fence in San Bernardino's foothill fire zone?
How do I know if my property is in a foothill fire zone?
Does this fencing rule apply outside the foothill area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle material restrictions.