Imperial County, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Fence permitting in unincorporated Imperial County turns largely on whether the fence is masonry and how tall it is. Under Title 9, Division 4, Chapter 3, masonry walls four (4) feet or less in height are exempt from a building permit, but the construction must still comply with the minimum requirements in the masonry fences handout available at the Planning & Development Services Department's Building Division, and compliance inspections for foundation, reinforcement and final must be requested. Masonry fences in all zones that are more than four (4) feet in height, including masonry pilasters with solid-grouted cells or concrete columns used to reinforce or support chain link, wrought iron or similar fencing, must be constructed following the specifications of the California Building Code adopted by the County (the ordinance references the 2013 edition), and the construction must be designed by a registered professional civil engineer or architect licensed in the State of California. Standard light fencing is treated more simply: wood, stucco, wrought iron or chain link fencing less than 6 feet in height is approved in any zone. Even where no County building permit is required, fences must still meet the height, material, sight-distance and setback rules of the ordinance, and other approvals (for example, in a flood zone or near a road right-of-way) may apply. Because permitting details and the masonry handout are administered by the Building Division, applicants should confirm requirements for their specific wall before construction.