Fence Installation Permits in Arlington

Local Rule

Arlington Planning & Development Services, One Start

A fence permit is required for most residential fence construction. Height may not exceed 8 feet as measured from the highest adjacent grade within 10 feet of the fence. On a corner lot, fences on the side property line are limited to just 2 feet for visibility, and any fence over 2 feet must be set back at least 5 feet from that side property line. New chain-link fences are not permitted. The exposed side of a fence facing a public street must have posts and rails hidden or integrated into the finished design. This contrasts with Tarrant County itself, which has no permitting or zoning authority in unincorporated areas.

Source · Verified September 2026

Arlington Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Tarrant County

Arlington's own rule is shown above (Permit required). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

City zoning / Tarrant County

Texas has no statewide fence code, so the cities in Tarrant County set the rules. A permit is typically required only for taller fences (over 6 to 7 feet) or front-yard fences over about 4 feet; a standard backyard fence usually needs none. Masonry fences and fences in a mapped floodplain often need a permit regardless of height, and neighbors are not required to share fence costs.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Arlington with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:

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