Imperial County, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned materials
- Tires, cans, glass, car parts
- Governing section
- § 90403.02(A)
- Applies to
- All fences, all zones
- Enforced by
- Planning and Development Services
Summary
Imperial County bans junk materials in fences: no tires, cans, broken glass, used car parts, or vehicles in any fence, in any zone, countywide.
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 "A" zones, or security fencing in federal, state or county institutions. (Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Imperial County's land use code requires fences and garden walls in the unincorporated county to be built from approved fencing or construction materials. Section 90403.02(A) specifically bars tires, cans, broken glass, used car components, vehicles, or similar salvage products as fence material, regardless of zone. The rule applies to all fences and land-use separation walls under Chapter 3 of the Land Use Code, though wood, stucco, wrought iron, or chain link fencing under six feet is exempt from the permit process, not from this materials rule itself. The Planning and Development Services Department enforces the standard on unincorporated land; the City of Imperial and the county's other cities run separate codes.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining a fence from prohibited scrap materials violates Imperial County Code § 90403.02(A) and can draw a code enforcement citation and an order to rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a fence out of old tires or scrap metal in Imperial County?
Does this rule apply inside city limits like El Centro?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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