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

Dallas does not have a specific shared-fence ordinance. Fence construction must comply with setback and height requirements in Section 51A-4.602. Texas is a 'fence-out' state, and cost-sharing is not required by law.

Dallas Development Code Section 51A-4.602 limits residential fences to 4 feet in the front yard and 9 feet in the side and rear yards. Fences over 9 feet require a Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment and engineering certification.

Dallas requires building permits for fences over 4 feet in the front yard, over 6 feet in side and rear yards, all masonry or concrete fences, and fences in special overlay districts. Fences under these thresholds generally do not need a permit.

Retaining walls in Dallas are regulated under the Dallas Building Code and Development Code Chapter 51A. A building permit is required for retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Retaining walls in floodplain areas must also comply with Article V floodplain regulations. Engineering plans stamped by a licensed professional engineer are required for walls above 4 feet.

Dallas adopted the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as Chapter 62 of the Dallas City Code with local amendments requiring pool barriers to be at least 6 feet tall, stricter than the 4-foot state minimum. All outdoor pools and spas must be enclosed by a self-closing, self-latching barrier with no openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass. Gates must have latches at least 60 inches above grade or be on the pool side at least 3 inches below the gate top.

Dallas requires a residential building permit for swimming pool construction. Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may also be required. Public and semi-public pools require an annual operating permit under Chapter 43A with a $175 fee.

Dallas Chapter 43A and the adopted 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code establish pool safety requirements including barriers, water clarity, chemical storage, depth markings, and safety equipment for public and residential pools.

Dallas requires pool barriers of at least 6 feet in height, stricter than the 4-foot state minimum. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, swing outward, and have no openings greater than 4 inches. Door alarms are required for house-to-pool access.

Above-ground pools in Dallas must comply with Chapter 62 (Dallas Swimming Pool and Spa Code) based on the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Pools with water depth exceeding 18 inches require barriers per Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 757.003 regardless of construction type. Dallas requires a 6-foot minimum barrier height. Removing a ladder from an above-ground pool does not automatically satisfy barrier requirements; access must be secured or a separate barrier installed.

Hot tubs and spas in Dallas are regulated under Chapter 62 (Dallas Swimming Pool and Spa Code). In one- and two-family dwellings, a spa or hot tub with a lockable safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 is exempt from the 6-foot barrier requirement. All public and semi-public spas require an operating permit ($20 annually, expiring the last day of February). Electrical connections must comply with the Dallas Electrical Code. Mesh fences may not be placed on top of on-ground residential pools.

Converting a garage to living space in Dallas requires building permits and must maintain required off-street parking. ADU conversions of detached garages require an approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay under Section 51A-4.510.

Dallas requires an Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay (ADUO) for ADU construction under Section 51A-4.510. ADUs are not permitted by right in most residential areas. Neighborhoods must apply to create an overlay allowing ADUs.

Dallas generally does not require building permits for detached accessory structures under 200 square feet without utilities. Structures over 200 square feet or with electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems require permits. Maximum height is 15 feet.

Dallas addresses tiny homes through its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) overlay under Development Code Sec. 51A-4.510. ADUs in the rear 30% of a lot under 15 feet in height require 3-foot side and rear setbacks. Structures 15 feet or taller must meet base zoning setbacks. Tiny homes on wheels are generally classified as recreational vehicles and subject to parking restrictions under Chapter 28. ADUs must comply with the Dallas Building Code for habitability standards.

Detached carports in Dallas are regulated as accessory structures under Development Code Chapter 51A. If located in the rear 30% of the lot, carports can be built up to the side and rear property lines, except a 3-foot setback from alleys is required. The Dallas Building Code requires a one-hour firewall separation unless the structure is set back at least 5 feet from the property line. All-metal carports without combustible materials may be placed closer. A building permit is required.

Open burning in Dallas requires a permit from the fire code official under Chapter 16 of the Dallas Fire Code. Open burning that is offensive due to smoke or hazardous due to atmospheric conditions is prohibited.

Recreational fire pits in approved containers are permitted in Dallas. Open burning is prohibited, but contained fires for cooking and warmth in fire pits, chimeneas, and outdoor fireplaces are allowed.

Dallas Code Section 18-14.1 requires property owners to keep vegetation from projecting over streets below 15 feet or over sidewalks below 8 feet. Article X of Chapter 51A regulates tree preservation on development sites.

Dallas water customers are subject to watering restrictions typically limiting irrigation to twice per week on designated days. Watering during rain, causing runoff onto streets, and watering between 10 AM and 6 PM during summer months are prohibited.

Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A, Article X (Landscape and Tree Conservation Regulations), Division 51A-10.130 regulates tree removal citywide. A tree removal application is required before removing protected trees. The ordinance applies to all property except lots under 2 acres with single-family or duplex uses. Removed trees must be replaced per the tree replacement schedule, or alternative compliance methods (conservation easements, fee-in-lieu) may be used under Sec. 51A-10.135.