Cathedral City, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 9.80.120 of the Cathedral City zoning title sets the fence height rules. Fencing is not required except where the zone district regulations call for it, but if built, fencing within rear and side yards cannot exceed six feet in height. Solid fencing within front yards cannot exceed forty-two inches and must have a finished appearance consistent with the architecture of the main building and the rear and side yard fence. Open fences not exceeding six feet are permitted in front yards, but chain link and other wire fences are not. All fencing height is measured from the ground or from the top of a retaining wall if the fence stands on one, so a wall under a fence counts toward the total.

Corner lots carry a driveway rule. Where driveways extend into the side yard, fences, hedges or walls must inset at a forty-five degree angle fifteen feet on each side of the driveway, with exceptions for security fences under subsection C and for structures providing public utility services.

Several special heights follow. Fences and walls in industrial and agricultural zones can add two feet of security fencing. Fences, walls and hedges enclosing tennis courts in the rear half of the lot can reach twelve feet if set at least three feet from side and rear property lines, and any portion above six feet must be wire mesh or similar material whose vertical surface is not closed more than ten percent. Public utility facility fences can be any height the California Public Utilities Commission requires. On R1 lots along secondary, major or arterial highways, Section 9.80.070(A)(2) lets perimeter walls up to six feet high encroach into the front yard setback to within ten feet of the front property line.

The visibility triangle is separate. Section 9.80.090 bars parking and vertical obstructions in corner cut-off areas, and Section 9.80.100(B) allows structures or plant material there only if no part exceeds three feet above the adjacent street, driveway or alley pavement. Section 9.80.110 sets the end points at thirty feet on major or secondary streets, twenty-five on collectors, twenty on local streets, and ten on alleys and private driveways.