Ontario, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Planning design review
- Required for all walls/fences/gates (even if no building permit)
- Building permit threshold (fences)
- Over 3 ft high from grade
- Building permit threshold (retaining walls)
- Over 2 ft (footing to top)
- Right-of-way
- Encroachment permit from City Engineer
- Code Section
- Development Code 6.02.005.B; Building Permit FAQs
Summary
Every wall, fence, and gate in Ontario is subject to Planning Director design review regardless of whether a building permit is needed. A building permit is separately required for fences and walls over 3 feet high and for retaining walls over 2 feet, and a right-of-way encroachment permit is required for anything in the public right-of-way.
B. The design and location of all walls, fences, and gates shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning Director, regardless of whether a building permit is required for its construction. [Building Permit FAQs:] A permit is required for retaining walls over 2 ft. in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. A building permit is required for: concrete block walls over 3 feet high from grade; block pilasters over 3 feet high from grade; chain link fences over 3 feet high; open or screened wrought iron fences and gates over 3 feet high; wood fences over 3 feet high.
Full Breakdown
B requires the design and location of all walls, fences, and gates to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director, regardless of whether a building permit is required for construction. Separately, the City's Building Division (per the official Building Permit FAQs) requires a building permit for concrete block walls over 3 feet high from grade, block pilasters over 3 feet, chain-link fences over 3 feet, open or screened wrought iron fences and gates over 3 feet, and wood fences over 3 feet; a permit is also required for retaining walls over 2 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
C requires an encroachment permit from the City Engineer before placing any fence, wall, shrub, sprinkler, or construction in a street right-of-way. E). For exact front/side/rear height limits, the City directs residents to the Planning Department at (909) 395-2036.
Violations & Fines
Construction without required Planning review or building permits can trigger stop-work orders and Community Improvement enforcement. Unpermitted encroachments in the right-of-way must be removed by the owner within 7 days of notice or removed by the City at the owner's expense (6.02.015.D).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Ontario?
When do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
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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Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle fence permit requirements.