Texarkana, TX Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Highland Park-Bingham Park Historic Overlay District
- Front/side yards
- Retaining walls prohibited, with slope exception
- Height limit
- Capped at height of slope retained
- Required material
- Unpainted stone, brick, stucco, or concrete
- Penalty
- $500-$2,000 fine, each day separate
Summary
In the Highland Park-Bingham Park Historic Overlay District, Texarkana bars retaining walls from front and side yards except to preserve an existing slope, caps wall height at the slope's height, and requires unpainted stone, brick, stucco, or smooth-finished concrete construction.
(h)Retaining walls. Retaining walls are not permitted in the front and side yards, except to preserve a natural or existing slope or to make slope similar to that of an adjacent lot. The height of a retaining wall must not exceed the height of the slope it retains. A retaining wall must be constructed of unpainted stone, brick, stucco or smooth-finished concrete that is compatible in texture, color and style with a main building.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Texarkana's Highland Park-Bingham Park Historic Residential Overlay District (Sec. 145-21) treats retaining walls as a preservation-criteria item alongside fences and porch details. Retaining walls are prohibited in front and side yards unless the wall preserves a natural or existing slope, or brings a lot's grade in line with an adjacent lot's slope. Where allowed, the wall's height is capped at the height of the slope it retains, no overbuilding beyond what the grade requires, and it must be built of unpainted stone, brick, stucco, or smooth-finished concrete matching the main building's texture, color, and style. The rule applies only inside this overlay district's boundaries, not citywide.
Violations & Fines
Building official or Historic Preservation Officer can issue a stop-work order and revoke the permit. Fines run $500-$2,000 per violation, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a retaining wall in my front yard in Texarkana's historic district?
Does this retaining wall rule apply citywide in Texarkana?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Texarkana
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Texarkana to another location·View the Texas fence regulations overview
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