The majority of neighborhoods in Rancho Mirage are gated;

consequently, the design of perimeter walls and fences is

crucial to the City’s image. Viewed from cars, these features

can be either attractive or monotonous. With careful thought

and creativity, walls, and fences can do more than provide

privacy—they can be an attractive element of the streetscape.

The City currently has a huge variety of perimeter walls and

fences, some of which blend into the desert context while

others do not. The design goal is to encourage walls and

fences that are attractive in their own right and are also well

integrated into the surrounding landscaping. Appropriate

scale, color, materials and design are the keys to walls and

fences that provide privacy, preserve views, and enhance

aesthetics.

Walls and fences that act as attractive elements of the

streetscape, while providing privacy and views, creative

design, and visual continuity.

Wall and fence designs shall be considered important components

of the design review process and overall streetscape

improvement plans.

Encourage the use of quality and/or natural materials

such as stone, plaster, stucco, and wrought iron.

Limit the height of perimeter walls and fences to balance

privacy needs with view preservation.

Integrate wall breaks and transparent fencing within

perimeter walls to provide scenic vistas without

compromising privacy.

Where transparent fence breaks are not practical, break

up long stretches of walls or fences by requiring

landscape screening, vertical piers or columns, and

façade detailing.

The visual impact of this perimeter wall minimized by natural

landscaping and breaks along the façade.