Fort Worth Fence Regulations: Height Limits Rules (2026)

Fort Worth's fence rules sit in Chapter 5 of the Zoning Ordinance, primarily §5.305 (Fences), administered by Development Services. In residential districts, front-yard fences forward of the front building setback line cannot exceed 4 feet in height and must be of open design with no more than 50 percent density — wrought iron, split rail, and picket are typical compliant styles, while solid wood or masonry in the front yard violates §5.305. Behind the front building line, solid fences may reach 7 feet and open fences 8 feet without a building permit; anything taller requires a permit and possibly a Board of Adjustment variance under Texas Local Government Code §211.009. Corner lots must observe a sight visibility triangle measured 20 feet along each property line from the street-intersection corner, within which fences, walls, and vegetation cannot exceed 2 feet to preserve driver sight distance. Barbed wire, razor ribbon, and electrified fences are prohibited in residential zones under §5.305(C). Pool barriers must independently meet the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code minimum of 48 inches under the adopted Building Code. Fences in the Near Southside, Stockyards, and other Form-Based Districts follow the Urban Design Standards in Chapter 4 instead. HOA covenants under Texas Property Code Chapter 202 may impose stricter materials or height rules but cannot ban drought-resistant landscape fencing under §202.007. Permit fees through the Self Service Permitting portal start around $50 plus inspection.