In most residential zones, 4 feet in the front yard, with the part above 3 feet at least three parts open to one part solid. In single-family zones, 7 feet for side and rear fences that are not visible from the street. Rural and estate zones allow front fences up to 6 feet under the same openness rule. Source: Riverside Municipal Code section 19.550.030, as of November 2026.
Limits by location
| Where | Limit |
|---|---|
| Front yard, most zones | 4 feet; above 3 feet no more than 1 part solid to 3 parts open |
| Front yard, RA-5, RC, RR and RE zones | 6 feet; same openness rule above 3 feet |
| Side and rear, single-family zones | 7 feet, if not visible from the public right-of-way |
| Side and rear, abutting a different zone | 8 feet, if not visible from the public right-of-way |
| Side and rear, other zones | 6 feet |
| Freestanding walls outside setbacks | 6 feet, with listed exceptions |
How do retaining walls count?
In front yards, height includes any retaining wall, and retaining walls exposed to public view cannot exceed 3 feet. In side and rear yards, a retaining wall plus a fence on top can total 10 feet, with the retaining part limited to 3 feet if visible from the street or 6 feet if not.
What about corners?
Section 19.550.050 keeps a clear triangle at street and alley intersections, with 15-foot sides along each curb, where nothing over 3 feet is allowed.
Hedges count too
Riverside applies the same height limits to hedges that act as a fence in a required yard.
Sources, as of November 2026: Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 19.550 (Fences, Walls and Landscape Materials), sections 19.550.020 to 19.550.070; Title 20 (Cultural Resources). General information, not legal advice.
Updated November 2026