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

Under Sec. 6-209, residential fences may be up to 8 feet along rear and side property lines. Front yard fences are limited to 3 feet and must be decorative. Corner lots have special visibility triangle requirements of 15 ft by 25 ft.

Richardson requires a building permit for any retaining wall exceeding 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing), with engineered drawings for walls over 4 feet or those supporting a surcharge.

Under Sec. 6-201, a fence permit is required for any fence over 2.5 feet in height. Plans and specifications must accompany the application. The permit must be approved before construction begins.

Richardson fence code allows up to 8 feet in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards. The finished or smooth side must face the neighboring property, and fences on property lines are typically shared responsibility under Texas common law.

Under Sec. 6-212, every swimming pool, spa, or hot tub containing water over 24 inches deep must be completely surrounded by a fence, wall, or solid structure at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Openings may not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere.

Richardson enforces the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as adopted alongside the IBC and IFC. Pools require proper enclosures, electrical bonding, anti-entrapment drain covers, and compliance with all applicable safety standards.

Under Sec. 6-212, pools with water over 24 inches deep require a 4-foot enclosure with self-closing, self-latching gates. Openings may not exceed 4 inches. The enclosure must completely surround the pool area.

Hot tubs and spas require an electrical permit and must either have a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 or be enclosed within a 48-inch barrier.

Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require a permit in Richardson and must meet pool barrier, setback, and electrical standards.

Under Sec. 6-212(b), a building permit is required for construction of any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub in Richardson. Plans must show compliance with enclosure requirements. Final inspection is withheld until the pool enclosure meets code.

Garage conversions in Richardson require a building permit from Building Inspection. The converted space must meet all residential building codes including egress, electrical, plumbing, and structural requirements. Loss of required parking spaces may trigger zoning issues.

Richardson's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) governs accessory dwelling units. ADUs are subject to the same lot coverage, setback, and height limitations as other accessory structures. Residential zoning districts may restrict secondary dwelling units.

Tiny houses must meet minimum dwelling size and IRC construction standards; RV-style tiny houses on wheels are not allowed as permanent residences.

Attached carports are allowed with a permit; detached metal carports are restricted and front-yard carports are generally prohibited in Richardson.

A building permit is required for all accessory structures over 40 sq ft. Structures 150 sq ft or less cannot exceed 12 ft in height. Structures over 150 sq ft cannot exceed 25 ft. Total accessory structure area may not exceed 8% of lot area or 40% of the dwelling size.

Under Sec. 8-28 amendments, open burning must be at least 300 feet from any structure with provisions to prevent spread within 300 feet. TCEQ outdoor burning rules also apply. Recreational fires in approved containers are permitted with setback requirements.

Under Richardson's adopted fire code (Sec. 8-28 amendments to IFC 2021), permanently installed outdoor fire pits must be at least 10 feet from any structure or combustible material. Fires in approved containers must be at least 15 feet from structures.

Richardson adopted a tree mitigation and preservation ordinance (Ch. 22.5) in May 2024. Protected trees are 6+ caliper inches; specimen trees are 24+ caliper inches. Removal requires replacement of 1:1 for protected and 2:1 for specimen trees. Penalty is $2,000 per tree per day.

Richardson receives water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). Water use restrictions follow NTMWD conservation stages, which may include landscape watering schedules limiting irrigation to specific days and times based on address.

Richardson requires trees and bushes to be trimmed to maintain 7 feet clearance above sidewalks, 14 feet above streets and alleys, and 1 foot back from alley pavement. Vegetation must not obstruct motorist or pedestrian visibility.