Fence Regulations in Imperial County, CA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Imperial County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In Imperial County's residential and residential-agricultural zones, front-yard fencing is capped at 30 inches if solid or 48 inches if see-through, and corner-lot fences can't exceed 30 inches for sightline safety.
Imperial County Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 90403.06
Within any "R" zone, or "A" zone with primary residential use or characteristics of a residential enclave, fencing located within the required front yard setback area shall not exceed thirty (30) inches in height if obscure, or forty-eight (48) inches if translucent. Decorative ornaments up to twelve (12) inches and not exceeding the width of post will be allowed above the heights shown above i...
Fence Permit Requirements
Imperial County requires a construction permit for tall fences and retaining walls; a standard wood, chain-link or wrought iron fence needs one once it tops 84 inches.
Imperial County Fence Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 90403.05
A construction permit for the placement of a fence is required for the following: Retaining walls that are over four (4) feet (1219.2 mm) in height measured from bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or retaining walls that are supporting a sur-charge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids, regardless of the height... All other fences (e.g., wood, chain-link, wrought iron, etc.) in a...
Neighbor Fence Rules
Imperial County requires neighbors to record a mutual agreement before building a fence on the shared property line; without one, the fence must sit two inches inside the line.
Imperial County Shared Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 90403.03
All fences shall be located on or within the property lines of the applicant's property. Fences on property line may be allowed if a mutual agreement by or between adjacent property owner is recorded at the county recorder's office. Absent an agreement between owners, the fence shall set back from property line by a minimum of two inches.
Retaining Walls
Imperial County requires a construction permit for any retaining wall over four feet tall, or shorter if it holds back a surcharge or hazardous liquids.
Imperial County Retaining Wall Permits
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 90403.05(A)
A construction permit for the placement of a fence is required for the following: Retaining walls that are over four (4) feet (1219.2 mm) in height measured from bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or retaining walls that are supporting a sur-charge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids, regardless of the height.
Material Restrictions
Imperial County bans junk materials in fences: no tires, cans, broken glass, used car parts, or vehicles in any fence, in any zone, countywide.
Imperial County Fence Material Standards
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 90403.02(A)
Fences shall be constructed of approved "fencing" or construction materials. Materials such as tires, cans, broken glass, used car components, vehicles or other similar products are not allowed.B.Barbed, or razor edge wire is prohibited in all residential zones, or on property abutting residential zones.C.Electrified fences are prohibited in all zones except for use in animal containment in the...
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