Cathedral City, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Cathedral City Municipal Code § 8.04.020(A)(1) amends paragraph 2 of the Building portion of Section 105.2 of the California Building Code to reduce the height of fences that are exempt from permit requirements. The amended exemption reads "Fences and walls not over 3 feet." Anything above 3 feet in Cathedral City is outside the exemption. The City deleted the separate exemption for retaining walls not over four feet in height in paragraph 4 of Section 105.2, so retaining walls are not covered by the fence exemption either.

Zoning sets the height ceiling that a permitted fence must still meet. Section 9.80.120 says fencing is not required except where zone district regulations demand it, but if built, fencing within rear and side yards shall not exceed six feet in height. Barbed wire, razor wire, electrified fence and used materials of any kind are prohibited. Solid fencing within front yards shall not exceed forty-two inches and must have a finished appearance consistent with the main building. Open fences not exceeding six feet are permitted in front yards, but chain link and other wire fences are not. The city planner can approve alternative materials, and the applicant can appeal that decision to the architectural review committee.

Pool barriers carry their own rules. Section 9.80.080 requires R1 zone pools to be enclosed by buildings, fences or walls not less than five feet in height, with self-latching gates or doors not less than five feet high and latches not less than four feet above ground level. All fencing and walls must be in place and approved by the building inspector before water is allowed in the pool. Section 8.04.020 also adds Section 3109.2.1 on drowning prevention safety features for pools and spas.