Houston allows wood, PVC vinyl, composite, metal ornamental, and chain link fences. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are prohibited for residential use. Masonry or concrete fences require a building permit at any height.
All standard residential fence materials are permitted: wood, PVC vinyl, composite, metal ornamental, and chain link. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are not permitted for residential use. Vinyl fencing, sometimes restricted in other cities, is allowed in Houston. Masonry or concrete fences of any height require a building permit. Chain-link fences are permitted but are prohibited as new pool enclosures constructed after January 1, 1994 under Chapter 43. Deed restrictions in many Houston neighborhoods impose additional material and style requirements beyond the city code, including color and design standards. HOA architectural review may be required before installation.
Prohibited materials (barbed or razor wire residential): removal order. Masonry without permit: stop-work order.
Houston, TX
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Houston, TX
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Houston, TX
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle material restrictions.
See how Houston's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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