Burleson, TX Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Burleson Code of Ordinances § 36-13(b) and (c)
- Barbed wire
- Prohibited, with three listed exceptions
- Barbed wire on top of fences
- Security fence at least six feet high in C or I districts
- Electric fence setback
- At least six inches inside a nonelectric fence
- Electric fence signs
- "DANGER, ELECTRIC FENCE" at not more than 50-foot intervals
- Noncompliant electric fence
- Nuisance per se, immediate removal
Summary
In the City of Burleson, Texas, Code of Ordinances § 36-13 prohibits barbed wire enclosures and electrical fencing citywide, with narrow exceptions for agricultural, rural, commercial, industrial and animal husbandry property. Residential decorative fences also cannot be built of chain link, barbed wire or similar materials under § 36-11(b)(10).
§ 36-13. Miscellaneous uses. ... (b) Barbed wire.Except as provided below, barbed wire enclosure is prohibited within the city: (1) Authorized in the "A" agricultural zoning district and "SFR" single-family rural district, if the fence exists on the property at the time of annexation. (2) Authorized when attached to the top of a security fence of at least six feet in height in the "C" commercial or "I" industrial zoning district classification. (3) Authorized in all zoning district classifications if the property is used for animal husbandry. (c) Electrical fences.Except as provided below, electrical fencing is prohibited within the city: (1) Are allowed within the "C" commercial and "I" industrial zoning districts and within the "A" agricultural and "SFR" single-family rural zoning districts if the property is used for animal husbandry. (2) Must be located at least six inches inside a nonelectric fence. ... (5) Electric fences not in compliance with the above are hereby declared a nuisance per se and must be immediately removed.
Full Breakdown
Section 36-13(b) of the Burleson Code of Ordinances declares barbed wire enclosure prohibited within the city, then allows three exceptions: a fence that already exists in the A agricultural or SFR single-family rural district at the time of annexation; barbed wire attached to the top of a security fence of at least six feet in height in the C commercial or I industrial district; and any zoning district where the property is used for animal husbandry.
Section 36-13(c) prohibits electrical fencing, which § 36-2 defines as an outdoor area enclosure containing an electrically charged or partially charged metallic material designed to discourage crossing by either man or animal. Electric fences are allowed in the C and I districts, and in the A and SFR districts when the property is used for animal husbandry. Even there, the fence must sit at least six inches inside a nonelectric fence, must be Underwriter Laboratories (UL) listed and installed and maintained per manufacturer's instructions, and must carry signs on all sides spaced at not more than 50-foot intervals reading "DANGER, ELECTRIC FENCE." A noncompliant electric fence is declared a nuisance per se and must be immediately removed.
Other material rules in Chapter 36 apply to residential lots in the City of Burleson. A decorative fence under § 36-11(b)(9) shall be constructed of wood picket, lattice work, or decorative metal, with or without masonry and stone elements, and under (b)(10) shall not be constructed of chain link, barbed wire or similar enclosure materials. Privacy and security enclosures must consist of metal poles, and chain link is prohibited along the designated rear lot line of any double frontage lot. Fences adjacent and parallel to dedicated parks, trails or open space must consist of wrought iron or tubular steel under § 36-13(d)(1). Transitional screening between districts must be solid masonry or reinforced concrete unless the development assistance committee approves another design under § 36-14(i).
Violations & Fines
An electric fence that fails the § 36-13(c) conditions is a nuisance per se and must be immediately removed. Chapter 36 prints no separate penalty clause, so the Code's general penalty in § 1-14 applies: § 1-14(a) sets a fine not exceeding $500.00 where no specific penalty is provided, and § 1-14(b) sets a $2,000.00 ceiling for provisions governing fire safety, zoning, or public health and sanitation. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense under § 1-14(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is barbed wire allowed on a Burleson fence?
Can I install an electric fence in the City of Burleson?
Can a residential decorative fence be chain link?
What happens to an electric fence that breaks the rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burleson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Burleson 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.