Fence Regulations in Tyler, TX (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for Tyler, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Tyler caps front-yard fences at 4 feet and requires them 50 percent open, while rear and side fences may reach 8 feet in residential districts. Multi-family front yards allow 6 feet; through-lot yards are limited to 4 feet.
Tyler Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances ch. 10, Sec. 10-331(a)(3)
Fences located in the front yard, along the front property line and/or the side property line(s), to a depth less than or equal to the required front yard setback of shall be restricted to a maximum height of four feet. Such fences shall be at least 50 percent open and any concrete or masonry footing, not including any required retaining walls, shall be limited to 24 inches from grade.
Permit Requirements
Tyler regulates fences through its development code rather than a standalone fence permit. Conforming wood, masonry, and chain-link fences within height limits need no building permit, but electric fences, pool barriers, and retaining walls carry added requirements.
Tyler Fence Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances ch. 10, Sec. 10-330
This division is intended to guide the construction of fences and retaining walls within the city in any of the zoning districts provided that the fences and retaining walls comply with the requirements of this code as to location, height, and composition.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Texas has no Good Neighbor Fence Act, so Tyler property owners each pay for their own fence. City code requires fences to sit entirely on private property; cost-sharing is a private civil matter, not city-enforced.
Tyler Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances ch. 10, Sec. 10-331(a)(1)
Fences generally may be constructed along the rear and side property lines, if located entirely on private property and not in excess of the maximum height allowed.
Retaining Walls
Tyler ties retaining walls to the building code: they combine with fences for height and must follow the adopted 2021 International Building Code. Walls over four feet or carrying a surcharge require an engineered building permit.
Tyler Retaining Wall Regulations
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances ch. 10, Sec. 10-331(e)
Retaining walls shall be in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 6, Section 6-11 of these Ordinances.
Pool Barriers
Tyler requires every swimming pool to be enclosed by a barrier: at least four feet in single-family residential zones and six feet elsewhere. Gaps must stay under four inches, wire is banned, and gates must self-close and self-latch.
Tyler Pool Barrier & Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances ch. 6, Sec. 6-14(b)
Every residential pool in an area zoned Single-Family Residential (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C and R-1D) shall be completely surrounded by a fence, wall or building not less than four (4) feet in height.
Approved Materials
Tyler allows wood, chain-link, brick, wrought iron, stone, pipe, and concrete fences. Chain-link and pipe are banned in the front-yard setback, barbed and razor wire are prohibited in residential districts, and tires and bumpers are banned everywhere.
Tyler Fence Material Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances ch. 10, Sec. 10-331(b)
Composition of fences is restricted to materials commonly used in fence construction, e.g., wood, chain link wire materials (e.g. chain link, chicken wire, hog wire, etc.), brick, wrought iron or other iron material, stone, pipe, and concrete. Chain link wire materials and pipe fencing is prohibited within the front yard setback
Looking for Smith County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tyler city rules.
Fence Regulations in Smith County →