Hidalgo County, TX Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- County fence-height limit
- None (no county zoning)
- Why
- Texas counties lack zoning power
- Possible private limits
- Plat notes, deed restrictions
- Inside a city
- City zoning code applies
- Reviews plats
- County Planning Dept
Summary
Texas counties have no general zoning authority, so Hidalgo County sets no fence-height limit in unincorporated areas. There is no county-wide maximum fence height. If your property lies inside a city (McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, Mission, etc.), that city's zoning code controls; recorded plats or deed restrictions may also cap height.
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 measures, including but not limited to a security camera, motion detector, or perimeter fence.(c) This section does not prohibit a property owners' association from:(1) prohibiting the installation of a security camera by a property owner in a place other than the property owner's private property;(2) regulating the type of fencing that a property owner may install;
Full Breakdown
Texas counties possess only the powers the Legislature grants them, and the Legislature has never given counties general zoning power. So Hidalgo County does not set a maximum fence height on unincorporated property, and no county fence-height ordinance exists outside city limits. Controls that can still limit a fence are not county zoning: recorded subdivision plats and deed restrictions reviewed by the Planning Department, Texas Property Code Chapter 202 covenants enforced by a property owners' association, and, inside any city, that city's zoning, which typically caps residential fences near 6 to 8 feet. If your land is inside McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, Mission, or another city, contact that city. Otherwise, check your plat and deed.
Violations & Fines
Because the county sets no fence-height rule, there is no county fine or citation for fence height in unincorporated areas. Private plat notes and deed covenants are enforced by the association or neighbors civilly; city limits by that city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my fence be in unincorporated Hidalgo County?
Does Hidalgo County have a fence ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hidalgo County
How Hidalgo County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Hidalgo County to another location·View the Texas fence regulations overview
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