Ontario, CA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Shared side/rear line
- Fence allowed on common line for division or security
- Front yard fence location
- Up to 3 ft along front/street-side line; landscape strip required
- Through-lot rear
- Fence min. 5 ft behind rear property line
- Right-of-way
- Encroachment permit required; remove within 7 days of notice
- Code Section
- Development Code 6.02.020.D; Cal. Civ. Code 841
Summary
Ontario lets neighbors build a wall or fence on a common interior side or rear property line for division or security. On corner lots and in front yards the area between a fence and the sidewalk or curb must be fully landscaped and maintained, and nothing may be placed in the public right-of-way without an encroachment permit.
D. Location. 1. Interior Property Lines (Side and Rear). Where the side or rear property line of a lot is common with another lot's side or rear property line, a wall or fence may be constructed along the common property line for purposes of property division or security. 2. Street Side Property Lines. On a corner lot or reverse corner lot, where a side and rear property line of a lot is common with a side or rear property line of another lot, a wall or fence may be constructed along the street side property line. The area between the wall or fence and the sidewalk (or curb) shall be fully landscaped and maintained. 3. Front Yard Walls or Fences. Within a front yard area, walls and fences up to 3 FT in height may be constructed along a front or street side property line. The area between the wall or fence and sidewalk (or curb) shall be fully landscaped and maintained.
Full Breakdown
D (Location) governs where residential walls and fences may go. 1). 2). 3). 4). C/D bars any fence, wall, shrub, or sprinkler in a street right-of-way without an encroachment permit from the City Engineer, with removal required within 7 days of notice. Note: Ontario's code does not impose a private good-neighbor cost-sharing rule; California Civil Code Section 841 governs shared boundary fences, presuming adjoining owners share maintenance costs equally absent agreement.
Violations & Fines
Encroachments in the right-of-way must be removed by the owner within 7 days of notice or the City removes them at the owner's expense (6.02.015.D). Required landscaping strips and approved locations are enforced through Planning Director review (6.02.005.B) and Community Improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbor and I build a fence right on the property line?
Do I have to landscape behind my corner-lot fence?
Can I build a fence in the parkway by the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Neighbor Fence Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle neighbor fence rules.