Richardson, TX Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Sec. 6-208 sets the measurement rule for every fence height in the city: height is measured vertically from the inside natural or mean grade elevation of the yard. To protect sight lines where an alley meets a street, the code requires a clear area formed by a five-foot by 20-foot triangle be kept free of obstruction; existing fences being reconstructed may keep a smaller ten-foot by ten-foot clear area if that was already in place, and any topography blocking the required clear view must be removed.

Sec. 6-209 then sets the actual height limits for single-family, duplex and apartment zones. Rear yard fences cannot exceed eight feet along the rear property line. Side yard fences cannot exceed eight feet from the rear property line up to the front wall of the building or the building line, whichever point is farther from the front property line. Front yard fencing is not allowed between the front property line and the front wall of the building unless it is landscaping or a decorative screen, and even then it cannot exceed three feet and cannot create a traffic hazard, subject to chief building official approval.

Corner lots get a special rule: fences up to eight feet are allowed along the side and rear lines, except within a 15-by-25-foot area near the street corner, where fences taller than four feet must have 50 percent through vision.