Cathedral City, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

The material rule sits in Section 9.80.120(A) of the Cathedral City zoning title. A fence can be constructed of any solid or open material except barbed wire, razor wire, electrified fence, or used materials of any kind, so reclaimed pallets, salvaged doors or secondhand panels fall under the ban on used materials. The section does not stop at that list. Alternative construction material and various metals and composites for walls and fences can be approved by the city planner, and the applicant can appeal the planner's decision to the architectural review committee.

Front yards add a second restriction. Open fences not exceeding six feet in height are permitted in front yards, but chain link and other wire fences are not. Solid front yard fencing must be constructed with a finished appearance consistent with the architecture of the main building and the rear and side yard fence, and it is capped at forty-two inches.

Other Cathedral City sections tighten materials in specific districts. In the R2 and RM districts, Sections 9.16.110 and 9.18.110 print that a front yard fence, if constructed, cannot exceed forty-two inches in the required front yard and must be decorative masonry consistent with the architecture of the main building and the rear and interior side yard fence. Section 9.80.120(D) requires any portion of a tennis court enclosure higher than six feet to be wire mesh or similar material whose vertical surface is closed no more than ten percent. Section 9.86.040(B) requires walls and fences to be kept in a sturdy condition and free of graffiti. Section 9.80.050(D) says a garage door, fence or gate cannot project beyond the lot line when open or being opened.