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

Whether a fence or wall needs a permit in unincorporated Riverside County is governed by County Building and Safety, not the zoning ordinance. The County's Work Exempt From Permits handout lists 'Fences not over 7' in height' and 'Block walls not over 3' in height from grade (measured 4 ft from the bottom of the footing to top of the wall)' as exempt from a building permit. A fence taller than 7 feet, or a block/masonry wall taller than 3 feet, therefore requires a building permit. The County notes that block walls over 6 feet generally require an engineered design submitted for approval. Separately, under the California Building Code adopted by the County, retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall), or any retaining wall supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids, require a permit. A building permit confirms structural adequacy but is distinct from any Planning Division zoning review; a fence within a required front-yard setback or a highway specific-plan area may need separate planning approval. Always verify your parcel's zone classification before building.