San Bernardino County, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

The County's official Residential Development Guide (Land Use Services, Building and Safety Division) lists the work that requires a permit in the unincorporated area. Among the items requiring a building permit are "Fences/Block Walls over 7 ft. in height" and "Retaining Walls over 4 ft. in height, measured from the bottom of footing or any retaining wall supporting a surcharge." Fences and block walls 7 ft or shorter generally do not need a building permit, but they must still comply with the Development Code height limits (Chapter 83.06) and all building setbacks - the guide notes that "All building setbacks must be maintained, whether a permit is required or not." Permits are obtained at a local Building and Safety office or through the EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) website. The County's Walls and Fences permit guidance indicates that masonry/retaining walls and chain link or iron fencing are reviewed against the California Building Codes and the San Bernardino County Development Code, and that engineering calculations may be required for retaining walls. Note that even where no building permit is required, a fence taller than the Chapter 83.06 setback-area limits still requires a planning approval such as a Use Permit or Variance.