Burleson, TX Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

The City of Burleson treats a fence as a permitted structure. Appendix A § 2.2 bars approval of any building permit on a lot until a plat is approved, then lists exceptions, and subsection (3) says a permit for an accessory structure, fence, irrigation system, or swimming pool can be issued on an unplatted lot. Section 36-1 adds that no fence, wall or outdoor area enclosure can be erected or altered within the city unless it conforms to Chapter 36, and § 36-3 excludes the business park overlay district from the chapter.

In residentially zoned districts, § 36-11(a) says privacy and security enclosures shall not exceed eight feet in height, can be erected along the rear lot line, and must be set back at least seven feet from a side property line of corner lots that do not back up to a key lot, or at least 15 feet where the corner lot backs up to a key lot. Chain link fences are prohibited along the designated rear lot line of any double frontage lot.

The building code layer is printed separately. Section 10-142 amends IBC Section 105.2 under the subtitle Building with the line "Fences not over 7 feet (1829 mm) high", and the residential amendment in § 10-172(3) is titled "R105.2 Work exempt from permit" and deletes items #1, #2, and 9. Because the printed lists differ between the commercial and residential codes, confirm the permit question with the building official before building.

Relief comes through an administrative variance under § 36-4. The development services director takes the request with a non-refundable fee, adjoining and across-the-street owners get two weeks to object, and the city manager or designee can approve it only if it supports public safety and neighborhood compatibility. An administrative variance can never allow a fence to encroach within any easement.