Upland, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Upland Municipal Code § 15.04.050, item 2
- Wood/chain-link exempt height
- 6 feet or less
- Block/masonry wall exempt height
- 2 feet or less
- Measured from
- Lowest adjacent grade
- Over threshold
- Building permit required
Summary
Upland exempts wood, chain link, and similar fencing up to 6 feet, and block or similar walls up to 2 feet, from needing a building permit. Anything taller than those thresholds requires a permit under the city's Administrative Code amendment at § 15.04.050.
105.2 Building Permits. A permit shall not be required for the types of work in each of the separate classes of permit as listed below... 2. Wood and chain link or similar type of fencing not over 6′ and block walls or similar type not over 2′ maximum above lowest adjacent grade.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4480959; v4 updated 2025-09-22).
Full Breakdown
' Because the exemption is capped at those specific heights, a wood or chain-link fence taller than 6 feet, or a block or masonry wall taller than 2 feet measured from the lowest adjacent grade, falls outside the exemption and needs a building permit like any other construction project. The code is explicit that being under the height threshold does not excuse compliance with other rules: exemption from the permit 'shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of the technical codes or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction,' which means a fence still has to meet Title 17 zoning standards for yards and setbacks even when no building permit is required. 080 ties fees to the schedule set by city council resolution.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence or wall over the exempt height without a permit is enforced as a building-and-safety violation under Chapter 1.22; § 1.22.040(B) authorizes a maximum administrative fine of $130 for a first infraction, $700 for a second within 12 months, and $1,300 for each additional offense, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my fence be in Upland without a permit?
Does a permit-exempt fence still have to follow Upland's zoning rules?
Does a block wall get the same 6-foot exemption as a wood fence in Upland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upland
California rules heatmap·Compare Upland 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.