Wood and vinyl fences under 6 feet in San Bernardino County typically do not require a building permit. Masonry walls, retaining walls, and fences over 6 feet require a permit. Front-yard fences are limited to 42 inches in residential zones.
San Bernardino County does not require building permits for standard wood or vinyl fences under 6 feet tall. Block or masonry walls of any height require a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a permit and engineering. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and possibly structural engineering. Front-yard fences are limited to 42 inches in most residential zones. All fences must comply with sight-triangle requirements at intersections and driveways. The county uses the California Building Code as its base code. Permit fees vary based on fence type and length — typically $100-$300 for standard fence permits.
Unpermitted fences or walls may be cited under the Development Code with stop-work orders and administrative penalties. Retroactive permits may be required with additional fees.
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See how San Bernardino County's fence permits rules stack up against other locations.
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