Fence Regulations in Dallas, TX (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Dallas, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Dallas Development Code Section 51A-4.602 limits residential fences to 4 feet in the front yard and 9 feet in the side and rear yards. Fences over 9 feet require a Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment and engineering certification.
Dallas Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTexas Property Code Chapter 202 - Restrictive Covenants
Sec. 202.023. SECURITY MEASURES. (a) This section does not apply to:(1) a condominium as defined by Section 81.002 or 82.003; or(2) a master mixed-use property owners' association subject to Chapter 215.(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a property owners' association may not adopt or enforce a restrictive covenant that prevents a property owner from building or installing security measu...
Permit Requirements
Dallas requires building permits for fences over 4 feet in the front yard, over 6 feet in side and rear yards, all masonry or concrete fences, and fences in special overlay districts. Fences under these thresholds generally do not need a permit.
Dallas Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Dallas does not have a specific shared-fence ordinance. Fence construction must comply with setback and height requirements in Section 51A-4.602. Texas is a 'fence-out' state, and cost-sharing is not required by law.
Dallas Fence Neighbor and Shared Boundary Rules
Few RestrictionsTexas Agriculture Code Chapter 143 - Fences; Range Restrictions
Sec. 143.028. FENCES. (a) A person is not required to fence against animals that are not permitted to run at large. Except as otherwise provided by this section, a fence is sufficient for purposes of this chapter if it is sufficient to keep out ordinary livestock permitted to run at large.(b) In order to be sufficient, a fence must be at least four feet high and comply with the following requir...
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls in Dallas are regulated under the Dallas Building Code and Development Code Chapter 51A. A building permit is required for retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Retaining walls in floodplain areas must also comply with Article V floodplain regulations. Engineering plans stamped by a licensed professional engineer are required for walls above 4 feet.
Dallas Retaining Wall Regulations
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Dallas adopted the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as Chapter 62 of the Dallas City Code with local amendments requiring pool barriers to be at least 6 feet tall, stricter than the 4-foot state minimum. All outdoor pools and spas must be enclosed by a self-closing, self-latching barrier with no openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass. Gates must have latches at least 60 inches above grade or be on the pool side at least 3 inches below the gate top.
Dallas Pool Barrier & Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTexas Health & Safety Code Chapter 757 - Pool Yard Enclosures
Sec. 757.003. ENCLOSURE FOR POOL YARD. (a) Except as otherwise provided by Section 757.005, the owner of a multiunit rental complex with a pool or a property owners association that owns, controls, or maintains a pool shall completely enclose the pool yard with a pool yard enclosure.(b) The height of the pool yard enclosure must be at least 48 inches as measured from the ground on the side away...
Fence Requirements
Dallas Section 51A-4.602 establishes general fence requirements including setbacks, height limits, and screening standards. Required screening for certain uses must be at least 6 feet tall. Fences near intersections must maintain sight triangle visibility.
Dallas General Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Dallas Code Section 51A-4.602 regulates fence materials. Required screening fences must be brick, stone, concrete masonry, stucco, concrete, or wood. Hazardous materials like barbed wire are prohibited in residential districts.
Dallas Fence Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsTexas Property Code Chapter 202 - Restrictive Covenants
Sec. 202.023. SECURITY MEASURES. (a) This section does not apply to:(1) a condominium as defined by Section 81.002 or 82.003; or(2) a master mixed-use property owners' association subject to Chapter 215.(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a property owners' association may not adopt or enforce a restrictive covenant that prevents a property owner from building or installing security measu...
Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Dallas city rules.
Fence Regulations in Dallas County →