Tarrant County, TX Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- County Limit
- None in unincorporated areas
- State Authority
- Tex. Local Gov Code Ch. 233
- Fort Worth
- 4 ft front / 8 ft rear (Zoning §6.301)
- Arlington
- 4 ft front / 8 ft rear (UDC §5.4.4)
- Subdivision Rules
- No fence provisions
Summary
Tarrant County does not regulate residential fence heights in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack general zoning and police power (Local Gov Code Ch. 233 covers building lines, fire code, and substantial improvements but not fence height). Cities, Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, North Richland Hills, are the primary fence regulators inside their limits.
Sec. 202.023. FENCES. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a property owners' association may not adopt or enforce a restrictive covenant that prevents a property owner from constructing or installing a perimeter fencing enclosing the owner's property as long as the fencing meets any height, aesthetic, or other requirement in the restrictive covenants or other rules of the property owners' association.
Full Breakdown
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 limits county regulatory authority to building setback lines (Subchapter B), fire codes (Subchapter C), and substantial-improvement permits in flood areas (Subchapter F). Counties cannot impose general zoning or fence height limits in unincorporated areas. The Tarrant County Subdivision Regulations and Land Use Regulations govern platting, drainage, and right-of-way but contain no fence height provisions. Most Tarrant County land is incorporated into 41 cities, where municipal fence ordinances apply: Fort Worth typically allows 4 ft front and 8 ft rear/side residential fences (Zoning Ord. §6.301), and Arlington allows 4 ft front and 8 ft rear/side (UDC §5.4.4). HOAs and recorded deed restrictions enforce stricter private limits across most subdivisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my fence be in unincorporated Tarrant County?
Does Tarrant County issue fence permits?
Who regulates my fence height in Fort Worth?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarrant County
How Tarrant County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tarrant County to another location·View the Texas fence regulations overview
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