Building or replacing a fence in North Texas isn’t just about choosing cedar or wrought iron — it’s also about knowing your city’s rules. Across the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, fence ordinances vary widely, shaping everything from height limits to materials and even placement. Whether you live in Dallas proper, a quiet suburb, or a master-planned community, understanding these regulations is key to avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring your fence project gets approved.
In this post, we’ll break down why ordinances exist, and then compare fence rules across major DFW cities, so you’ll know exactly what to expect when planning your next project.
Why Do Cities and HOAs Have Fence Ordinances?
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand why these rules exist. While homeowners may sometimes view ordinances as restrictive, they serve several purposes:
- Safety: Fences near pools or streets must meet visibility and height requirements to protect children, drivers, and pedestrians.
- Aesthetics: Cities and HOAs want neighborhoods to maintain consistent, attractive curb appeal, which helps preserve property values.
- Neighbor Relations: Clear ordinances prevent disputes over property lines, fence maintenance, and what types of structures are acceptable.
- Durability: Certain materials and construction methods are restricted to prevent unsafe or unsightly fences from deteriorating too quickly.
In a sprawling metroplex like DFW, these factors are especially important, since neighborhoods range from historic Dallas districts to fast-growing suburban communities.
Comparing Fence Ordinances Across DFW Cities
Dallas
- Height: Up to 8 feet in rear yards; front yard fences typically limited to 4 feet.
- Materials: Prohibits barbed wire and dangerous materials in residential areas.
- Special Rules: Visibility triangles (near driveways/intersections) must remain clear to avoid traffic hazards.
Fort Worth
- Height: Standard max is 6 feet in residential areas; taller fences require a variance.
- Materials: Decorative materials encouraged; barbed wire allowed only in agricultural or industrial zones.
- Special Rules: Corner lots often face stricter requirements due to traffic visibility.
Arlington
- Height: Up to 8 feet in backyards; 4 feet in front yards.
- Materials: Chain-link is permitted in backyards but restricted in front-facing areas for aesthetic reasons.
- Special Rules: Pool fences must be at least 48 inches tall with self-latching gates, per state law.
Plano
- Height: 8-foot max, but front yard fences limited to 4 feet and often require decorative materials.
- Materials: Masonry and wrought iron are common in HOA-governed neighborhoods; chain-link often discouraged.
- Special Rules: Plano enforces strict maintenance standards; damaged or leaning fences can lead to code violations.
Frisco
- Height: Rear fences up to 8 feet; front fences often capped at 4 feet.
- Materials: Strong emphasis on high-end finishes — cedar, wrought iron, and masonry.
- Special Rules: In master-planned communities, HOAs may impose stricter rules than the city.
McKinney
- Height: 7-foot max in residential areas unless a special permit is granted.
- Materials: Chain-link restricted in many subdivisions; cedar and ornamental iron encouraged.
- Special Rules: Corner lots face tighter rules to preserve sightlines.
Irving
- Height: 8-foot max in the rear; 4-foot limit in the front.
- Materials: Chain-link is allowed in some areas but heavily restricted in visible locations.
- Special Rules: Fences facing public streets may require decorative treatments.
Richardson
- Height: 8-foot rear yard fences allowed; 4-foot in front yards.
- Materials: Barbed wire prohibited in residential areas; wood, vinyl, and ornamental iron common.
- Special Rules: Homeowners must apply for permits before replacing or building most fences.
Carrollton
- Height: 8-foot maximum; 4-foot front yard.
- Materials: Chain-link discouraged in visible areas; cedar and wrought iron encouraged.
- Special Rules: Like Plano, Carrollton enforces maintenance ordinances for dilapidated fences.
Key Takeaways for Homeowners
- Front Yard vs. Backyard: Almost every city limits front yard fences to around 4 feet, while backyard fences usually allow 6–8 feet.
- Materials Matter: Chain-link is widely restricted in front yards and highly visible areas, while cedar and ornamental iron are preferred.
- Corner Lots = Stricter Rules: If your property faces an intersection, expect additional visibility requirements.
- HOAs Can Be Stricter: Even if your city allows certain fences, HOAs often enforce more specific standards.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to build or replace a fence in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, understanding your city’s ordinances — and your neighborhood HOA’s restrictions — is crucial. A fence isn’t just about privacy; it’s about safety, aesthetics, and community standards.
The good news? With the right guidance, you can design a fence that checks every box: city-approved, HOA-friendly, and perfectly tailored to your backyard vision.
At Backyard Builders, we help homeowners navigate these rules while creating fences that stand the test of time — in both durability and style.