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

Keller enforces Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 pool barrier rules. Barriers must be 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates and openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere.

Keller requires no permit for standard wood or metal fences at or below 8 feet. Masonry fences, walls over 4 feet, and pool barriers require Keller Building Inspections permits.

Keller has no municipal cost-sharing rule for shared fences and Texas has no statewide shared-fence statute. Disputes over cost and maintenance are handled civilly or through HOA covenants.

Keller limits front-yard fences to 4 feet and side or rear fences to 8 feet under Chapter 6 and the UDC. Masonry fences and walls over 4 feet need engineered plans.

Retaining walls over 4 feet measured from grade to top require a Keller building permit and Texas-registered engineered plans. Walls must not block drainage or encroach on utility easements.

Keller requires a building permit for any pool deeper than 24 inches. Plans must show barrier fencing, electrical bonding, and setbacks meeting Chapter 6 and the ISPSC.

Keller hot tubs and spas require an electrical permit and must meet NEC Article 680. A locked safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 exempts the spa from the 48-inch barrier requirement.

Above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches in Keller require a building permit, must meet 48-inch barrier rules, and must be set back 5 feet from property lines. HOAs often restrict them.

Keller requires a 4-foot pool barrier under Texas HSC 757 and the ISPSC. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above grade and openings under 4 inches.

Keller pools must comply with the federal VGB Act, requiring anti-entrapment drain covers and unblockable drains. Electrical bonding, GFCI protection, and CPSC-compliant suction systems are inspected at final.

Texas has no statewide ADU mandate, and Keller zoning does not broadly permit ADUs in single-family districts. Guest quarters without kitchens may be allowed as accessory structures, but rental units need PD zoning.

Converting a garage to living space in Keller requires permits, zoning review, and usually replacement covered parking. HOA covenants frequently prohibit garage conversions outright. Illegal work must be reversed.

Keller allows sheds subject to size, height, setback, and design standards. Sheds above 120 square feet typically require a permit. Front yard placement is prohibited, and HOA covenants require matching materials.

Keller has no tiny-home-specific ordinance. Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet the full IRC and zoning minimum square footage. Tiny homes on wheels are RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings.

Keller carports are regulated through zoning setbacks, height, and design standards. Metal pole carports in front yards are generally prohibited. HOA covenants commonly restrict carports or ban them outright.

Keller allows recreational fire pits in approved containers with clearance from structures. Wood pits are subject to Tarrant County burn bans. Gas and propane units remain usable. Pits must be attended.

Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited inside Keller. Small recreational and cooking fires in approved containers are allowed when no burn ban is active. TCEQ 30 TAC 111.209 applies.

Keller uses a tiered drought plan limiting outdoor watering to twice weekly on assigned days, restricting midday hours, and banning runoff. Keller buys water from Fort Worth, so regional triggers flow through.

Keller has an active tree preservation ordinance regulating removal of protected trees on development sites. Routine removal on built residential lots generally needs no permit. Mitigation may apply.

Keller owners must keep street trees clear of sidewalks at 8 feet and streets at 13 to 14 feet. Right-of-way trimming needs Public Works coordination. Protected trees on development sites need permits.