Before You Build in Arlington, TX: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Arlington's Unified Development Code limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Fences cannot obstruct corner visibility triangles, drainage easements, or sightlines at driveways. Commercial and industrial properties have separate standards and often require screening fences along residential boundaries.

Arlington reviews every fence permit application against UDC Sec. 5.3.4.A.1, Single-Family and Two-Family Residential Fencing, revised by Ordinance No. 26-019. The standards apply in all zoning districts except Planned Development districts with their own fence design rules, the Entertainment District and Village on the Green at Tierra Verde overlays, the Downtown Form-Based Zoning District, and Conservation District overlays that carry their own fence design standards.

Above-ground pools in Arlington capable of holding water deeper than 24 inches require a building permit and must meet the same barrier, electrical, and setback standards as in-ground pools. Ladders must be removable or securable to prevent unsupervised child access when the pool is not in use.

Arlington requires all residential swimming pools capable of holding water 24 inches deep or more to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Requirements follow IRC Appendix G and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as amended by Texas, with additional rules for doors leading directly from the home to the pool.

Arlington caps accessory dwelling units at 800 square feet and counts each toward the lot's maximum dwelling-unit total, but only requires one parking space per ADU. Units can sit inside, attached to, or detached from the primary home, including above or beside a garage.

Arlington prohibits open burning of yard waste and trash citywide under Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules and local fire code. Recreational fires in portable fireplaces and contained fire pits are allowed with setback and fuel restrictions but are suspended during Tarrant County burn bans.

Arlington bans most outdoor burning within city limits. Authorized burns require a $1,000 permit and Fire Prevention inspection. Wind speed must be 5–16 mph, relative humidity above 35%, and burning during daylight only. No burning on ozone alert days.

Arlington requires a tree Preservation Plan for all development under UDC Section 5.2.3. Residential sites over one acre must preserve at least 35 percent of their tree inventory; non-residential and multi-family projects must reach a net-positive plan or mitigate by replanting or paying into the Reforestation Fund.