In the framework of the model of locally inhomogeneous electrically conductive nonferromagnetic solid, the near-surface inhomogeneity in a solid cylinder is investigated. It is shown that such inhomogeneity is characterized by three characteristic sizes associated with the structural inhomogeneity of the material, the roughness of the real surface and the electronic subsystem. The charge distribution features a double electric layer. The size effect of fiber strength and its dependence on geometric inhomogeneity parameters of the surface are studied.