Imperial County, CA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Default setback
- 2 inches from property line
- On-line fence needs
- Recorded mutual agreement
- Recorded where
- County recorder's office
- Governing section
- § 90403.03
Summary
Imperial County requires neighbors to record a mutual agreement before building a fence on the shared property line; without one, the fence must sit two inches inside the line.
All fences shall be located on or within the property lines of the applicant's property. Fences on property line may be allowed if a mutual agreement by or between adjacent property owner is recorded at the county recorder's office. Absent an agreement between owners, the fence shall set back from property line by a minimum of two inches.
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
Under Section 90403.03 of the county's land use code, fences in unincorporated Imperial County must sit on or within the applicant's own property lines. A fence can straddle the boundary only if the adjoining owners record a mutual agreement with the county recorder's office. Absent that recorded agreement, the fence owner must set the fence back from the property line by a minimum of two inches, keeping it entirely on their own lot. The rule sits in Chapter 3, the Fence chapter of Title 9, the Land Use Code, and governs only unincorporated land, not El Centro, Calexico, or the county's other cities.
Violations & Fines
Building directly on a shared property line without a recorded agreement between the adjacent owners violates Imperial County Code § 90403.03 and can require the fence be moved or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a fence right on my property line in Imperial County?
What if my neighbor won't agree to a shared fence?
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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