How Tall Can My Fence Be?
Every city and county has different fencing rules. Before you put up your fence, it is always advisable to check with your local authority for the exact, up-to-date codes. Most cities in the High Desert have set a maximum height of 4’ for front yard fences, and 6’ for backyard fences.
For instance, in San Bernardino County, you can have a four-foot-high chain link fence at the front of your house and a six-foot-high one at the rear of the property. The only EXEMPTION is for properties on "RC" (resource conservation) and "RL" (rural living) land zones, where fences can be as tall as 5' in the front yard.
Even so, many Californian homes still have taller front yard fences than the codes allow. In such cases, the homeowner is always responsible for any problem arising from their extra-tall fence.
So, how high can a fence be in California?
The Town of Apple Valley
The Town of Apple Valley has adopted a new ordinance stating that any home built after June 2007 in zones R-SF and R-EQ CANNOT have chain link fences in the front or front street side yards regardless of what the height is. If this date timeline applies to you, click the "Apple Valley fence height" links below to read more. Also, check the Apple Valley Zoning Map to see which zone you fall in.
Remember, the new ordinance applies only to homes built after June 2007. Although thousands of homes in the area, built before 2007, may have this type of fencing, do not be tempted to go against the code. That may cause you unnecessary trouble.
In addition, you are NOT allowed to fence bare land on residential property in the Town of Apple Valley..
The City of Victorville
The City of Victorville amended its front yard chain link code in February 2015. Lots under 1/2 acre in select areas are NOT allowed to have chain link fences in the front yard regardless of fence height. The zoning that you are allowed to have chain link in the front yard is R-1B 1/2 (1/2 acre or more of land).
In addition, you are NOT allowed to fence bare land on residential property in the City of Victorville. Check the City of Victorville Zoning Map to identify your zone.
City/County Information Links
If you still have questions on how high a fence can go in California, click the links below for more information.
Apple Valley
APPLE VALLEY FENCE HEIGHT 9.28.120
APPLE VALLEY FENCE HEIGHT 9.31.030 / scroll to line "K" walls and fences
APPLE VALLEY FENCE HEIGHT 9.31.050 / scroll to line "M" walls and fences
APPLE VALLEY ZONING MAP
Adelanto
ADELANTO FENCE HEIGHT
Hesperia
HESPERIA FENCE HEIGHT Title: 16/ Chapter 16.20/ Article III/16.20.070
HESPERIA ZONING MAP
San Bernardino
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FENCE HEIGHT Page 321 Chapter 83.06
Victorville
VICTORVILLE FENCE HEIGHT
VICTORVILLE ZONING MAP
Get Swift Professional Assistance
Planning authorities regularly update fencing codes. Keeping up with these changes may be hectic for a regular property owner. Luckily, All American Fence Erectors has a team dedicated to fence building and all the relevant regulations including front, back-, and side yard fence heights and more.. Call us at (760) 948-2428 or contact us online with any inquiries, and we will be happy to assist.
