Imperial County, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Fences in unincorporated Imperial County are regulated by the County's Land Use Ordinance, Title 9, Division 4 (Signs, Parking, Fence and Home Occupations), Chapter 3, Section 90403.05. The headline restriction is in the front yard: within any 'R' Zone, or an 'A' Zone with primary residential use or the character of a residential enclave, fencing located within the required front yard setback area shall not exceed 30 inches in height if obscure (solid/view-blocking) or 48 inches if translucent (see-through, such as open wrought iron). Decorative ornaments up to 12 inches and not exceeding the width of the post are allowed above those heights. Outside the front yard, the ordinance approves common fence types up to a standard residential height: wood, stucco, wrought iron or chain link fencing less than 6 feet in height is approved in any zone, so side and rear yard fences are typically built to about 6 feet. Taller or masonry fences trigger additional structural rules. Because the strictest height applies inside the required front yard setback, and that setback distance varies by zone (for example 25 feet in the R-1 zone under Section 90502.06), homeowners should confirm where their front yard line falls before setting fence height. Corner parcels have an extra sight-distance limit discussed under neighbor and corner-lot rules.