Ontario requires a building permit for masonry walls and any fence over 7 feet under the California Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require permits. Standard 6-foot wood or vinyl fences typically do not.
Under the California Building Code as adopted by Ontario, fences up to 7 feet in height that are not combined with retaining walls generally do not require a building permit, but they still must meet Development Code height, setback, and material rules. Any fence or freestanding wall over 7 feet tall, any masonry block wall, any retaining wall over 4 feet tall measured from the bottom of the footing to the top, and any pool barrier as part of pool permitting all require a building permit from Ontario Building and Safety. Permits ensure footings, reinforcement, and wind loads meet code. Work in public right-of-way, sidewalks, or utility easements often requires encroachment permits from Engineering in addition to building permits. HOA approval, where applicable, is separate from and does not replace city permits. Ontario Code Enforcement can require after-the-fact permits or removal if an unpermitted wall violates the code.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Ontario, CA
Outdoor music is regulated under OMC Title 5 Chapter 29 and the special-event permit process. Venues and events with amplified sound need a city permit; resi...
Ontario, CA
Aircraft noise from Ontario International Airport (ONT) is regulated by the FAA, not the city. ONT runs an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program; federal ...
Ontario, CA
Ontario requires dogs to be leashed off-property under OMC Title 6. Maximum leash length is 6 feet, with owner control required in all public spaces except d...
Ontario, CA
Ontario allows beekeeping under the Development Code with hive-count and setback limits. Beekeepers must register annually with the San Bernardino County Agr...
Ontario, CA
Ontario allows backyard fire pits under the California Fire Code as adopted. Wood pits must sit 25 feet from structures and be attended. SCAQMD no-burn days ...
Ontario, CA
All fireworks, including Safe and Sane, are banned in Ontario year round under Ontario Municipal Code and California Health and Safety Code 12500. Fines star...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle permit requirements.
See how Ontario's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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