Abilene, TX Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

1(g) of the Land Development Code prohibits razor wire, barbed wire and similar fencing materials in two settings. First, they are banned outright within any residential zoning district, with a carve-out only for agricultural or related uses. Second, in nonresidential zoning they are barred from the front yard setback and from any side or rear setback that borders residential zoning, unless the site has an agricultural or related use or sits within Heavy Commercial or industrial zoning, where the prohibition does not apply. Subsection (h) layers on additional material and maintenance standards that apply citywide: new or replacement fences must use standard fencing materials and cannot be built from scrap metal, plywood, or other non-standard material; fences visible from a public right-of-way should present their finished side toward that right-of-way; screening walls and fences must include openings for pedestrian connectivity where appropriate; and every fence, wall and hedge must be maintained in a safe and attractive condition.

Existing nonconforming fences, walls and hedges installed before the current standards took effect may remain in place as long as they stay in good condition, so the prohibition is prospective rather than a mandate to tear out older barbed-wire fencing that already predates the rule.