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

Irving limits front yard fences to 4 feet with 50% minimum transparency. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 8 feet. Posts cannot extend more than 6 inches above the fence top.

Retaining walls at or below grade are excluded from fence height measurements. Walls exceeding 4 feet require engineering. Building permits are required for structural retaining walls.

Irving requires pool fencing per building code and Ch. 36 (Public Swimming Pools and Spas). TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 757 mandates minimum 48-inch barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Texas is a fence-out state with no mandatory cost-sharing. Irving requires fences on shared boundaries to comply with height, material, and setback standards. Disputes are civil matters.

Irving requires a fence permit ($125 fee) before construction or replacement. Fence contractors must also register with the city. Permits applied for through the MGO online portal.

Irving follows the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 757. Barrier requirements, drain covers, and electrical grounding standards apply to all residential pools.

Hot tubs and spas in Irving must comply with pool barrier requirements under TX H&S Code Ch. 757. Electrical permits required for wiring. Covers with lockable straps may supplement fencing.

Above-ground pools in Irving require the same barrier and permit requirements as in-ground pools. Pools must not be placed on easements. Structural adequacy and deck safety apply.

Irving requires building permits for swimming pool construction. Pools cannot be built on easements. Permits applied through MGO online portal. Residential permits take about 3 business days.

Pool fencing must be at least 48 inches high per TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 757 and Irving building code. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with locks. Metal posts required for new fences.

Garage conversions in Irving require a building alterations permit. Converted spaces must meet building code for habitable rooms. Parking requirements for the lot must still be satisfied.

Irving's UDC permits ADUs in certain residential zones. Texas SB 1412 (2023) expanded ADU rights statewide. Local zoning districts determine where ADUs are allowed.

Tiny homes in Irving must comply with the IRC and UDC for the applicable zoning district. Minimum dwelling size, setback, and utility connection requirements apply. Tiny homes on wheels treated as RVs.

Irving carports are limited to 400 sq ft, max 10-foot height, and can only shelter up to 2 vehicles. Lots over 1/2 acre may have two carports. No storage allowed in carports.

Irving limits detached accessory buildings to 10% of lot area or 2,500 sq ft max on lots under 1/2 acre. No size limit on lots 1/2 acre or larger. Building permits required.

Irving restricts outdoor burning within city limits. TCEQ 30 TAC §111.209 applies. DFW ozone nonattainment area adds air quality restrictions. Dallas County burn bans may apply during drought. DFW Airport proximity raises visibility concerns.

Gas and propane fire pits are generally allowed in Irving. Wood-burning fire pits may be restricted during Dallas County burn bans. Must follow basic safety setbacks from structures. DFW ozone nonattainment area applies.

Irving requires an Earthwork + Tree Removal Permit for significant tree removal. The Urban Forestry Program manages the city's tree survey and planting events.

Irving property owners must trim tree limbs blocking sidewalks. The city trims limbs over city streets as needed. Dead or hazardous trees on city property are removed by Street Maintenance.

Irving limits landscape watering to twice per week April-October, by address (odd: Wed/Sat, even: Thu/Sun). No watering 10 AM-6 PM. Once monthly November-March. Hand-watering any day.