Most standard residential fences in Dallas do not require a building permit if under the height limits (4 feet front, 9 feet side/rear). Masonry fences, fences in special districts, and fences exceeding height limits require permits. Application fee starts at $40.
Dallas Building Inspection generally does not require building permits for standard residential fences (wood, vinyl, chain-link, wrought iron) that comply with Chapter 51A height limits: 4 feet in front yards and up to 9 feet in side and rear yards. Building permits are required for: masonry, concrete block, or stone fences; fences exceeding height limits; fences in Conservation Districts, Historic Districts, or Planned Development districts; and retaining walls. The base permit application fee is $40, with additional fees based on the project. Fences in historic districts require review by the Landmark Commission or appropriate historic review body. Corner lots must maintain visibility triangles for traffic safety. The DallasNow online permitting system (developdallas.dallascityhall.com) launched in May 2025 and handles all building permit applications. In-person applications can be submitted at 320 E. Jefferson Blvd., Room 118.
Building a fence without a required permit results in Code Compliance citations. Fines up to $500 per violation. Non-compliant fences may need to be removed or modified. Historic district violations may face additional penalties.
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance rules under Dal...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to right-...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Amplified outdoor...
Dallas, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Dallas require multiple permits through the Department of Sustainable Development and Construction: a building permit for the st...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by general nuisa...
Dallas, TX
Dallas adopts the 2021 International Fire Code under Dallas City Code Ch. 16 (Fire Prevention). IFC § 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how other cities in Dallas County handle fence permits.
See how Dallas's fence permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.