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Fence Regulations in Rowlett, TX (2026)

7 verified fence regulations for Rowlett, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Height Limits

Rowlett Code of Ordinances Sec. 78-313(c) limits fences in a required front yard to 36 inches (three feet) in height, while fences in a required side or rear yard may be up to eight feet. Key lots are limited to 36 inches in both front yards. The zoning ordinance can modify these limits.

Rowlett Fence Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Permit Requirements

Rowlett Code of Ordinances Sec. 78-313(a) makes it unlawful to install, alter, add to, or change a fence without first obtaining a permit from the building inspection department. The only exception is for repairs that do not exceed 25 percent of the area of the fence. Permit fees are set by city council resolution.

Rowlett Fence Permits

Some Restrictions

Neighbor Fence Rules

Rowlett's fence ordinance (Sec. 78-313) sets height, material, and visibility standards but does NOT impose a 'finished side out' rule or require neighbors to share fence costs. Boundary-fence ownership, cost-sharing, and maintenance between neighbors are governed by Texas property/case law and private agreements, not by a Rowlett city ordinance.

Rowlett Fence Neighbor & Boundary Rules

Few Restrictions

Retaining Walls

Rowlett treats retaining walls as permitted structures: the city's fence/retaining-wall permit application covers both, and the building department requires engineered (sealed) plans for any retaining wall that totals four feet or more measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall at any point. The fence ordinance itself (Ch. 78, Art. X) does not set a separate retaining-wall height limit.

Rowlett Retaining Walls

Some Restrictions

Fence Requirements

Rowlett requires a permit for fences (Sec. 78-313(a)) and sets standards for materials, height, corner-lot visibility, and upkeep. Corner lots where a street and alley intersect must keep an eight-foot visibility triangle (Sec. 78-313(d)). Pools, spas, and hot tubs require an enclosing barrier at least 48 inches high (Sec. 78-311).

Rowlett Fence Requirements

Some Restrictions

Material Restrictions

Rowlett Code of Ordinances Sec. 78-313(b) lists the only approved fencing materials (chain link, brick, stone, stucco, wrought iron, wood pickets, or PVC) and restricts hazardous types: barbed wire and electric fences may be used only to fence large livestock, electric chargers must be testing-lab approved, and razor wire is prohibited.

Rowlett Fence Material Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Approved Materials

Rowlett Code of Ordinances Sec. 78-313(b)(1) names the approved fence materials: chain link, brick, stone, stucco, wrought iron, wood pickets, and PVC (plastic fence). These cover the common residential choices. Barbed wire and electric fences are reserved for large livestock, and razor wire is banned.

Rowlett Approved Fence Materials

Few Restrictions

Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rowlett city rules.

Fence Regulations in Dallas County