Hidalgo County does not regulate fence heights in unincorporated areas. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 limits county building-permit authority to commercial, public-accessible, and multifamily (4+ unit) structures, so single-family residential fences are not subject to county zoning. Cities such as McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and Pharr set their own fence height limits inside city limits.
Texas counties do not have zoning authority over single-family residential property in unincorporated areas. Local Government Code §§233.061-233.067 restrict Hidalgo County's building-permit authority to commercial, public-accessible, multifamily (4+ unit), and similar non-single-family construction. The Hidalgo County Subdivision Rules govern platting, drainage, and roadway requirements but contain no fence height provisions for typical residential lots. Property owners in unincorporated subdivisions and colonias should review their recorded plat and any deed restrictions, which are enforceable in court under Texas Property Code Chapter 202. Inside the City of McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, or Pharr, the municipal zoning code sets fence height standards (commonly 6 feet for rear/side yards and 3-4 feet in front-yard setbacks), and a city permit may be required.
No county-level penalty for fence height in unincorporated Hidalgo County. Violations of recorded plat restrictions or deed restrictions can be enforced by HOAs or neighbors via civil suit under Texas Property Code Chapter 202. City fence-code violations inside McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, or Pharr are typically Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $500 per day under Local Government Code §54.001.
See how Hidalgo County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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