7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Bell County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Bell County cannot zone, so it sets no fence-height rule in unincorporated areas. Inside a city, the city code governs. In Temple, a front-yard fence must not exceed 48 inches; behind the front-yard setback, up to eight feet.
Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.023 (Perimeter Fencing)
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...
Unincorporated Bell County issues no fence permit because it cannot zone. Inside a city you do need one: Killeen requires a building permit for any new or replacement fence, and Temple requires a site plan with the building-permit application.
City of Killeen Building Inspections — Fence Permits
A building permit is required to erect a new fence or move, repair, or replace an existing fence on a property located within the City limits of Killeen.
Neither Bell County nor Texas law forces a neighbor to share the cost of a boundary fence; a shared fence is a private matter settled by agreement or civil court. Cities like Temple regulate placement and sight lines, not cost-sharing.
Bell County sets no retaining-wall zoning in unincorporated areas. Inside a city, a retaining wall is regulated through the building permit and code; Temple treats walls under its fence standards and typically requires a permit for taller walls.
Unincorporated Bell County has no fence code because it cannot zone. City requirements apply inside limits: Temple requires a site plan and landscape plan with the building-permit application and sets construction standards for framing and finish.
Bell County restricts no fence materials in unincorporated areas because it cannot zone. Cities do: Temple bars materials not manufactured for fencing and limits barbed and razor wire to agricultural and industrial districts.
Unincorporated Bell County lists no approved fence materials because it cannot zone. Inside a city, materials are specified: Temple allows chain link, brick, stone, pre-cast concrete, block, wood planks, tubular metal and wrought iron.
1 cities in Bell County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Bell County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Bell County Ordinance Hub →