Arlington, TX Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Arlington UDC §6.2 specifies acceptable fence materials for each zoning district. In single-family residential districts, permitted materials include cedar, pine, or composite wood planks, brick or stone masonry, stucco-finished CMU, decorative metal (wrought iron or tubular steel), vinyl, and chain link. Chain link is permitted in rear yards but discouraged and prohibited in front yards. Barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire, and electrified fences are prohibited in all residential districts. Electric fences for small pet containment (invisible fences) are permitted as they are buried. In industrial districts, barbed wire is allowed only above 6 feet on a fence at least 6 feet tall. Temporary construction fencing (orange plastic, chain link rental panels) is allowed during active building permits for up to 12 months. Historic Overlay districts (Downtown, Cooper Street corridor) may have additional material restrictions requiring wrought iron, masonry, or painted wood matching period character. Corrugated metal, plywood sheeting, and salvaged materials creating a junkyard appearance are prohibited under property maintenance standards. Fences must be maintained in good condition; leaning, missing pickets, peeling paint, or rotted sections are code violations.