Palm Desert, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 25.40.080 applies to fences and walls within the RE, R-1, R-2, R-3 and PR districts on residential lots in the City of Palm Desert, and its stated purpose is to specify location, material and review procedures to remove all ambiguity. Materials are set by the fourth column of Table 25.40-2, fence type by fence type. The fence section names neither barbed wire, razor wire nor electric fencing. The table's material columns are the standard, and the code's exception procedure treats anything outside them as a nonconforming material.

In the front and side setbacks, short, moderate height and tall fences must all use decorative materials including decorative blocks, stucco or wrought iron. Walls and fences at or behind the building setbacks that are visible from the right-of-way must be decorative block, precision block stuccoed or painted to match the house, or wrought iron. Where a wall or fence is not visible from the right-of-way, the list widens to block of all types, redwood, cedar or other approved decay-resistant wood product, and wrought iron. Cut slope retaining walls use decorative block, stucco or wrought iron, fill slope retaining walls use solid wall materials, and fill slope combinations of retaining walls and wrought iron use decorative block and/or stucco and wrought iron. Walls must be finished in a desert color.

Repairs must be treated, painted or finished so the newer portions of a fence are indistinguishable from the existing fence. A change in fence design or material type is not repair and must conform to the location and material standards. Exceptions go to the Architectural Review Commission, which can approve them if unusual circumstances exist, no damage results to adjacent properties, and adjacent owners are informed at least 10 days before the meeting. Exceptions for nonconforming materials, including wood and vinyl fences, rest on architectural merit and compatibility with the home's architectural style. In a gated community with a homeowners association that has a bona fide architectural review process, approval from that body can waive the City's review.