Amarillo regulates fence and retaining wall heights through the Zoning Ordinance (§ 4-10-267) and the Building Code (Chapter 4-1). Fences in rear/side yards may not exceed 8 feet; front-yard fences are capped at 4 feet. Retaining walls under 4 feet are permit-exempt.
Section 4-10-267 (Zoning, Ch. 4-10, Div. 7 – Fences and Walls) limits fences and walls on or near the property line behind the required front yard to 8 feet above adjacent grade. Within the minimum required front yard, fences may not exceed 4 feet. Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet from footing bottom to top are exempt from a building permit under Chapter 4-1, unless supporting a surcharge. Taller retaining walls require a permit and must meet International Building Code structural standards. Building Safety (806-378-3041) enforces these rules.
Unpermitted or noncompliant fences and retaining walls are subject to stop-work orders, required removal or modification, and civil penalties enforced by Building Safety.
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See how Amarillo's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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