You've picked the perfect fence design and measured your yard. But here's what most Dallas homeowners don't realize until it's too late: building the wrong height fence can cost you thousands in fines, forced removal, and rebuilding expenses.
Understanding fence height regulations isn't optional—it's essential. Whether you're in Grand Prairie, Cedar Hill, or anywhere across Greater Dallas, here's everything you need to know to build your fence right the first time.
Dallas Fence Height Rules (Quick Reference)
Front yard: 4 feet maximum
Backyard and side yards: 6 feet without a permit | 9 feet maximum with permit
Corner lots: Both street-facing sides count as "front yard" (4 feet max)
Near intersections: Only 2.5 feet in visibility triangles
The Dallas Fence Code Breakdown
Your Front Yard: The 4-Foot Rule
In your required front yard setback (the area between your house's front wall and the street), maximum height is 4 feet. Corner lots have TWO front yards, meaning that 6-foot privacy fence along the side street isn't allowed without special approval.
Important: Solid fences (less than 50% open) must be at least 5 feet back from your front lot line in single-family districts.
Your Backyard: The 6-Foot Sweet Spot
Behind your home's front building line:
- Up to 6 feet: Build without a permit (in most cases)
- 6 to 9 feet: Requires building permit and city approval
- Over 9 feet: Not allowed
Most homeowners we work with in Duncanville, Midlothian, and Forney choose 6-foot privacy fences—tall enough for privacy without requiring permits.
Visibility Triangle Rule
Dallas requires maximum 2.5-foot fence heights within visibility triangles at intersections. These zones ensure drivers can see traffic and pedestrians. The city takes these violations seriously.
Before You Build: Critical Checklist
Check for Special Districts
These districts have unique requirements:
- Historic Districts: Require Landmark Commission approval (adds weeks)
- Planned Developments: Custom neighborhood-specific rules
- Conservation Districts: Additional design restrictions
Verify your status: Call 214-948-4480 or visit dallascityhall.com
Get HOA Approval in Writing
Your HOA can impose stricter rules than city code:
- Lower maximum heights (often 5 feet instead of 6)
- Material restrictions (no chain-link, cedar only)
- Color requirements
- Lengthy approval processes
We've seen homeowners in Lancaster and Irving forced to rebuild after skipping HOA approval.
Know Your Property Lines
Dallas code is clear: Fences cannot be in easements. This includes utility easements, drainage easements, and rights-of-way. Get a professional survey—the $300-500 cost saves you from $5,000+ mistakes.
The Dallas Permit Process
When You Need a Permit
Required if:
- Front yard fence exceeds 4 feet
- Side/rear yard fence exceeds 6 feet
- You're in a Historic, PD, or Conservation District
- You're building a pool fence
How to Get Your Permit
Dallas Building Inspection Division
320 E. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas, TX 75203
Phone: 214-948-4480 | Website: dallascityhall.com
Process:
- Download fence permit application online
- Complete with property and fence details
- Submit to Building Inspection
- Pay permit fee ($100 minimum)
- Receive permit (usually same-day, except Historic Districts)
Common Questions
"My neighbor has a 7-foot fence. Can I build the same?"
Their fence might be grandfathered, permitted, or non-compliant. Always build to current code.
"Does a 6-foot fence really not need a permit?"
Correct—if it's behind your front setback, not in a special district, not in an easement, and HOA-approved. That's a lot of conditions. We recommend verifying everything first.
"What if my fence is already non-compliant?"
Contact Building Inspection immediately at 214-948-4480. You may face retroactive permits, fines, or forced removal. Being proactive is better than waiting for code enforcement.
Why Choose Top Rail Fence for Greater Dallas
We've built hundreds of fences across Greater Dallas—from Waxahachie to Forney, Red Oak to Irving. Working with us means:
✓ We know local codes for Dallas, DeSoto, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Midlothian, Lancaster
✓ We handle permits and verify HOA compliance
✓ We catch problems during your free consultation
✓ 30-year warranties on our work
Ready to Build Your Fence Right?
Most fence companies will build whatever you ask for—even if it violates code. You're stuck with the fines and removal orders.
At Top Rail Fence, we ensure your fence is beautiful, durable, and 100% code-compliant before installing a single post.
Get started today with your free consultation.
Important Disclaimer
This guide is based on current Dallas regulations. Local codes can change, and every property has unique considerations based on zoning, easements, HOA rules, and special districts.
Always verify current regulations with the City of Dallas Building Inspection Division (214-948-4480) before starting your project. When you work with Top Rail Fence, we handle this verification for you.
Official Resources: dallascityhall.com | 214-948-4480
The bottom line: Don't gamble with code violations. Let Greater Dallas's trusted fence experts handle it right from the start. Contact Top Rail Fence today.
