Travis County, TX Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- County Limit
- None
- Typical HOA
- 6 ft rear, 4 ft front
- Austin City
- 6 ft side/rear, 4 ft front
- Pool Barrier Min
- 48 inches (IRC)
- Zoning Authority
- TX counties lack it
Summary
Travis County imposes no fence height limits in unincorporated areas because TX counties cannot zone. Height is governed only by deed restrictions, HOA covenants, or Austin ETJ rules where applicable. Most subdivisions allow 6 ft rear, 4 ft front.
Sec. 202.022. SWIMMING POOL ENCLOSURES. (a) In this section, "swimming pool enclosure" means a fence that: (1) surrounds a water feature, including a swimming pool or spa; (2) consists of transparent mesh or clear panels set in metal frames; (3) is not more than six feet in height; and (4) is designed to not be climbable. (b) A property owners' association: (1) may not adopt or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from installing on the property owner's property a swimming pool enclosure that conforms to applicable state or local safety requirements ...
Full Breakdown
Under TX Local Gov't Code §231, Texas counties have no zoning authority, which means Travis County cannot set maximum fence heights in unincorporated areas. Rural properties in Spicewood, Manor, Webberville, and the Lake Travis/Barton Creek watershed can build fences of any height subject only to TX Property Code Ch. 26 boundary fence rules and private deed restrictions. TX Senate Bill 1588 (2021) prohibits HOAs from banning perimeter fences outright but permits HOAs to regulate height. Typical HOA covenants in Circle C, Steiner Ranch, Avery Ranch, and Travisso cap rear/side fences at 6 feet and front/street-side at 4 feet. Inside Austin city limits, City Code §25-2-899 limits fences to 6 ft in rear/side and 4 ft in front yards, with a 7 ft maximum with permit. Austin ETJ does NOT apply city fence heights. Pool barriers must be at least 48 inches per the TX-adopted IRC.
Violations & Fines
No county penalty. HOA violations enforced civilly; typical covenant fines $50–$500 per day. Austin city fence height violations: $500–$2,000 under City Code §25-1-461.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build a fence in unincorporated Travis County?
Does Austin's 6-ft fence rule apply in the ETJ?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
How Travis County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas fence regulations overview
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