Rowlett, TX Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard height cap
- 36 inches
- Key lot front yards
- 36 inches on both fronts
- Side/rear yard cap
- 8 feet
- Corner lots
- 8-ft visibility triangle required
- Override
- Zoning ordinance may set different limits
Summary
Rowlett caps fences at 36 inches in required front yards (both fronts on key lots) and eight feet in side or rear yards, including privacy fencing, unless the zoning ordinance says otherwise.
(1)Except as otherwise provided by the zoning ordinance, no fence shall be placed in the required front yard of any zoning district in excess of 36 inches in height. Except as otherwise provided by the zoning ordinance, lots referred to as key lots in the zoning ordinance shall be limited to 36 inches in height in both front yards.(2)Except as otherwise provided by the zoning ordinance, no fence shall be placed in the required side or rear yard of any zoning district in excess of eight feet in height.(d)Visibility. On corner lots where a street and alley intersect, an eight-foot visibility triangle must be provided by measuring eight feet from the corner in both directions.(e)Maintenance.(1)All fences shall be maintained reasonably plumb and structurally sound. Each structural and decorative member of a fence shall be free of deterioration and be compatible in size, material and appearance with the remainder of the fence.(2)A fence that has deteriorated to a condition that is likely to fall shall be repaired, replaced or removed.(3)Fences shall not be externally braced in lieu of replacing or repairing post, columns or other structural members.(f)Other fence regulations. For fence regulations governing swimming pools, spas and hot tubs, and for those governing other body of waters, see sections 78-171 and 78-172. (Ord. No. 11-20-01D, § 1, 11-20-2001; Ord. No. 022-07, § 1, 8-7-2007)
Secs. 78-314—78-399. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 29).
Full Breakdown
Section 78-313(c) of the Rowlett Code of Ordinances (Article X - Fences, Chapter 78, Buildings) sets the height ceiling for privacy and other fences citywide, in both the Dallas County and Rockwall County portions of the city: no fence in a required front yard may exceed 36 inches, and key lots are capped at 36 inches on both front-facing yards. Side and rear yard fences, including solid privacy fencing, may not exceed eight feet, except as the zoning ordinance otherwise provides. Subsection (d) adds a placement rule: on corner lots where a street and alley meet, an eight-foot sight-visibility triangle, measured from the corner in both directions, must be kept clear.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the height limit or blocking the required visibility triangle is a code violation; Rowlett's general penalty (§ 1-13) allows a fine up to $500.00, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a privacy fence be in my Rowlett backyard?
Can I build an 8-foot fence along my Rowlett front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rowlett
How Rowlett compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Rowlett to another location·View the Texas fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle height limits.