A few things to consider before you install a fence in San Dimas. These are general guidelines — always confirm current requirements with the City before you start.
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Front Yard Height
San Dimas allows fences and walls up to 42 inches in the front yard setback, built from wood, decorative tubular steel or wrought iron, vinyl, or solid decorative masonry with a cap. Chain link, corrugated metal, metal slats, railroad ties, exposed block, and razor or concertina security wire are prohibited, and plain cinder block is allowed only where the same block already covers at least half of the side and rear lines.
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Side & Rear Yard Height
Side and rear property lines may be fenced up to 6 feet on or behind the front setback line, measured from the lower grade where neighboring lots differ in height. New or substantially redeveloped homes must install a decorative masonry wall along side and rear lines. On slopes of 2:1 or steeper solid fencing is not permitted; stepped retaining walls are preferred, and the Director can approve taller combinations where a safety hazard exists.
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When You Need a Permit
San Dimas amends the California Building Code so only fences up to 6 feet are exempt from a building permit; anything taller needs one from the Building Division, as do retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing. Fence and wall locations, heights, materials, and colors are also reviewed by Planning as part of development plan review, and repairs to nonconforming fences are evaluated case by case.
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Corner Lots & Sight Lines
On a corner lot the required street side setback may have a 6-foot fence or wall, measured from the street-facing side, while the front setback stays at 42 inches. The fence must sit at least 18 inches inside the street-side property line, or at the line where a landscaped parkway exists, and the strip between fence and street must be landscaped and irrigated. The zoning code sets no numeric sight triangle, so corner visibility is checked during Planning review.
Good to Know
If your home is part of an HOA, check your community's CC&Rs before installing — many HOAs add their own material and height rules on top of the City's. Building a pool or spa? California's Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §115922–115923) requires at least two independent, approved drowning-prevention features, such as a 60-inch enclosure. Fence codes can change, so we always recommend confirming current requirements with the San Dimas Community Development Department before you start. Have questions about your property?
Contact Legacy Fence and we'll help you sort it out.
Source: San Dimas Municipal Code §§15.04.020 and 18.20.110; City of San Dimas Community Development Department.
