How Tall Can Your Fence Be in Fort Worth? (Texas Height Laws Explained)

Stop! Before you order that nice 8‑foot privacy fence for your Fort Worth backyard, you need to check whether it’s even legal on your property. Installing a fence that doesn’t comply with could lead to fines, removal, and expensive reconstruction. The good news? At Top Rail Fence we can help you navigate these regulations successfully. Here’s what you need to know:

Quick Reference: Fort Worth Fence Heights

• Front yard (open‐design only): Up to 4 ft without special exception.
• Rear or side yard (behind front setback line): For many properties, open‐design fences may go up to 8 ft, and solid fences up to 7 ft, before a building permit is required.
• Exceeding these limits: A permit is required. For example: solid fences above 7 ft or open fences above 8 ft will require review by the city.  Fort Worth Texas

Fort Worth Fence Height Regulations

Front Yard Fences

In the front yard or projected front yard of a one‐ or two‐family residential lot in the city of Fort Worth:

• You may erect an open‑design fence (wrought‑iron, picket, tubular steel, etc., excluding chain link) up to 4 ft in height.
• Solid fences in the required front yard are not permitted unless a special exception is granted (and even then must conform to height limits).

Backyard / Side Yard (Behind Front Building Setback)

• The code states that no fence over 8 ft in height is allowed behind the front building setback line.
• The city’s permitting FAQ indicates that building permits are required for solid fences above 7 ft and open fences above 8 ft.
• “Open design” in front yards means a fence that has no more than 50 % density (visibility is maintained).

Corner Lots & Vision Triangles

• On a corner lot, within the triangle formed by measuring 20 ft in each direction from the property corner at the street intersection, no fence may exceed 2 ft in height (to maintain sight lines).
• Always check your lot’s shape, driveway orientation and whether it falls under that visibility triangle rule.

Open vs. Solid Design: What’s the Difference?

• Solid Design: Materials with little or no visibility through the fence (e.g., wood privacy panels, vinyl with no gaps)
• Open Design: Materials that allow partial visibility and are spaced or see‑through (e.g., ornamental iron, picket, shadowbox, horizontal slats with gaps)
• Pro tip: Some homeowners build a 6‑ft solid privacy fence and add a 2‑ft lattice topper (or open slats) to reach the height they want while staying in or closer to the open‐design category. But you still need to verify permit rules and zoning for your lot.

Important Considerations Before You Build

• HOA Regulations: Many Fort Worth neighborhoods have HOAs whose rules may be more restrictive than the city code (e.g., lower height limits, particular materials, color restrictions). Always check your HOA guidelines first.
• Property Lines & Easements: Get a survey or confirm your property boundary. Building on a neighbor’s property or in a public/private easement can lead to disputes or removal.
• Corner lots / Visibility: If your lot is a corner, or your fence is near a driveway or intersection, the vision‐triangle rule may apply (as above).
• Permits: While many fences under certain limits may not require a full building permit, you must check:
  • If your fence exceeds the standard heights listed above.
  • If your lot is in a special zoning district (historic district, planned development, floodplain).
  • If you’re placing the fence in or adjacent to an easement or public right‐of‐way.
  • Submission process to the city’s Fort Worth Development Services Department (you can apply online).

Common Fort Worth Fence Questions

Q: Do I need a permit for a 6‑foot privacy fence in my backyard?
A: In many cases, yes you can install a 6‑ft solid fence behind the front building setback without special exception—but you must check your zoning, easements, and any overlay district. Because the code states that solid fences above 7 ft trigger permit requirement.

Q: Can my HOA override the city’s regulations?
A: Your HOA cannot allow you to violate the city code (i.e., grant you more height than the city allows), but they can impose stricter rules (lower heights, specific materials, design requirements). So yes, always check both.

Q: What happens if I build my fence too tall or without the required permit?
A: The city may issue a stop work order, fines, require a retroactive permit (which can cost more), or even require you to remove and rebuild the non‐compliant fence.

Q: Can I use barbed wire or other security fencing in residential areas?
A: The general residential code limits heights and materials; barbed wire is usually allowed only under industrial/commercial zoning or under very specific conditions. Always check the zoning and ask the city.

Why Choose Professional Installation?

At Top Rail Fence South Dallas, we help Fort Worth homeowners with:
 ✓ Free consultation on local height regulations and design options
 ✓ HOA compliance verification
 ✓ Permit support or full permit application where needed
 ✓ Professional installation by crews who know the local code and conditions
 ✓ Over hundreds of successful fence installations in the Fort Worth area

Ready to Install Your Fence?

Don’t risk costly mistakes or code violations with your fence project. Our Fort Worth fence experts will ensure your installation is compliant, beautiful, and built to last. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.

🔗 Helpful Links (Always Verify Current Code)

City of Fort Worth Residential Permits: page: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/permits/residential-information

Final Word

Local fence laws can change, and they may differ based on zoning, lot type, easements, or overlays. Always check the City of Fort Worth’s current code and verify your specific lot zoning status before purchasing materials or installing your fence. Using a qualified local contractor can save time, headaches, and money.