Hundreds of North Dallas homeowners received violation notices last year for improperly installed fences—resulting in thousands in fines and required removals. Don't let your fence investment become a costly mistake.

At Top Rail Fence, we've helped North Dallas homeowners navigate fence regulations while building beautiful, compliant fences. This guide covers everything you need to know about permits, height restrictions, and property line rules across Dallas, Plano, Richardson, and Carrollton.

Quick Reference: Do I Need a Permit?

✓ YES, you need a permit if:

  • Building over 4 feet in front yards (most cities)
  • Building over 6 feet in side/rear yards
  • Constructing in a floodplain
  • Located in Historic Districts
  • Installing pool fencing

 

✗ NO permit needed for:

  • Repairs under 20-25% of existing fence
  • Front yard fences 4 feet or shorter
  • Backyard fences 6 feet or shorter (verify your city)

 

Get a free consultation → - We'll assess your property and handle all permits.

North Dallas City-by-City Regulations

Dallas

  • Front yards: 4 feet max (solid fences set back 5 feet from property line)
  • Side/rear yards: 6 feet without permit, up to 9 feet with permit
  • Permit required: Over 4 feet (front), over 6 feet (rear), floodplains, historic districts
  • Apply via: ProjectDox online system (~$175 fee)

Plano

  • Front yards: 40 inches max, must be 50% open
  • Rear yards: 8 feet max
  • Special rule: Fences over 40 inches must be set back 10 feet from front of house
  • Prohibited: Plywood, corrugated steel, barbed wire, fiberglass
  • Permit required: Most new installations

Richardson

  • Rear to front wall: 8 feet max
  • Front wall to property line: 3 feet max (decorative only)
  • Permit required: Any fence 2.5 feet or greater
  • Height measured from: Inside natural grade elevation

Carrollton

  • Front yards/corner sides: 3 feet max
  • Permit required: New fence over 20 feet, repairs over 20 feet
  • Critical rule: No fences in floodways
  • Finished side: Must face outward on arterial streets
  • Apply via: CityServe Portal

 

At-a-Glance Comparison

City

Front Max

Rear Max

Permit Threshold

Dallas

4 ft

6-9 ft

4 ft (front), 6 ft (rear)

Plano

40 in

8 ft

Most installs

Richardson

3 ft

8 ft

2.5 ft+

Carrollton

3 ft

Varies

20+ linear ft

 

Shared Boundary Fence Rules

When fences sit on property lines between neighbors, both owners typically share responsibility. However, Texas doesn't automatically require cost-sharing unless both parties agree.

Best Practices:

  • ✓ Get a professional survey before building
  • ✓ Discuss plans with neighbors early
  • ✓ Document cost-sharing agreements in writing
  • ✓ Orient "finished side" (no visible posts) toward neighbor's property

 

Real Example: We recently helped two McKinney neighbors split costs on a beautiful board-on-board cedar fence. With clear communication and written agreement, the project went smoothly and both properties increased in value.

Special Situations

Pool Fencing

Texas requires specific pool barriers to prevent child drowning:

  • Minimum 4-5 feet high
  • Self-closing, self-latching gates
  • Latch out of children's reach (54+ inches)
  • No gaps larger than 4 inches
  • Separate permit required

Corner Lots

  • Lower heights near intersections (typically 3 feet)
  • "Visibility triangles" required for traffic safety
  • More restrictive setbacks

Historic Districts

  • Certificate of Appropriateness required
  • Period-appropriate materials mandated
  • Longer approval process (30-90 days)

Floodplains

  • Permits required regardless of height
  • May not be allowed in floodways
  • Cannot impede water flow

 

HOA Requirements

Many North Dallas neighborhoods have HOAs with rules that exceed city codes:

  • Often lower height limits
  • Specific material/color approvals
  • Architectural review required
  • Maintenance standards

 

Critical: You need BOTH HOA approval AND city permits. Get HOA approval first, then submit city permit.

Common Costly Mistakes

❌ Starting Before Approval - Fines up to $2,000+, possible removal

❌ Skipping the Survey - Building on neighbor's property, legal disputes

❌ Ignoring Easements - Utilities can require removal at your expense

❌ Not Calling 811 - Risk hitting underground lines (FREE service, required by law)

 

Real Story: A Plano homeowner built an 8-foot front yard fence without a permit. After a complaint, the city required complete removal—a $6,500 loss. We rebuilt it at compliant 40-inch height with proper permits.

Why Choose Top Rail Fence

We Handle Everything:

  • ✓ FREE on-site consultations with measurements
  • ✓ Permit preparation and submission
  • ✓ HOA coordination and approvals
  • ✓ Professional installation by experienced crews
  • ✓ Pass inspections first time, every time
  • ✓ Comprehensive warranties

 

Our Installation Standards:

  • Steel posts set 36" deep in concrete
  • Premium Western Red Cedar or commercial-grade materials
  • Heavy-duty gate hardware
  • Built to withstand North Texas weather

Get Started Today

Contact us for your FREE consultation

Service Areas: Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Carrollton, Allen, Wylie, Murphy, Sachse, Rockwall, Rowlett, and surrounding communities.

Call: 214-432-7877

Disclaimer: This information is current as of 2025. Regulations may change. Always verify requirements with your local building department. Top Rail Fence provides this guide for informational purposes and handles all permitting for our customers.