Indio, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Indio applies relatively strict material standards to fences and walls through Unified Development Code Section 3.02.10 (Fences, Walls, and Screening). The use of barbed wire, razor wire, ultra-barrier, electrified, broken-glass, and other hazardous fencing is not permitted unless such fencing is required by a law or regulation of the City, the State of California, the federal government, or another public agency. Chain-link fencing is prohibited in residential and mixed-use zones. The one exception is for vacant property in any zone, which may be fenced with chain-link not exceeding six feet in height when the purpose is to prevent unauthorized use, dumping, or vehicular soil disturbance that creates fugitive dust or nuisance conditions, and even then barbed wire is not permitted on top. For masonry, plain (unfinished) concrete block is not permitted as a fence or wall material; concrete block must be finished with stucco, or be decorative split-faced block, and must be capped with a decorative cap. Retaining walls likewise must be masonry such as brick, concrete, or paver block. These are city rules that go beyond what state law requires, so they apply regardless of the California Building Code's permit thresholds. Confirm acceptable materials for your zone with the Planning Division before purchasing fencing.