Riverside County, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

The California Building Code §105.2 (as adopted by Riverside County Ordinance 460) exempts fences 6 feet tall or less and retaining walls 3 feet or less (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) from a building permit, unless they support a surcharge or impound Class I, II, or IIIA liquids. Anything beyond those thresholds requires a permit, drawings, and often structural calculations — especially masonry or concrete walls in Seismic Design Category D and higher, which applies across Riverside County. Fences enclosing swimming pools must meet the California Building Code Chapter 31A barrier standards and require inspection even if under 6 feet. Grading for a fence line is governed by Ordinance 457 if cuts or fills exceed 50 cubic yards or 3 feet in depth. Permits are issued by Riverside County Building and Safety, with online submittal available for simple residential fences and walls. Fees scale by valuation; a typical residential masonry wall permit runs $300-$700. Fences that cross recorded easements or deviate from setbacks may require Planning review under Ord. 348.