Fence Installation Permits in Fort Worth

Local Rule

Fort Worth Development Services Department

Fort Worth does not require a building permit for a solid fence up to 7 feet, or an open picket-style fence up to 8 feet, outside the front yard. Above those heights a permit is required. In the front yard and projected front yard, fences are capped at 4 feet and must be an open, picket-style design; chain link is prohibited in that area. Retaining walls over 4 feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, need a separate permit. Properties in a historic district may need additional approval regardless of fence height.

Source · Verified September 2026

Fort Worth Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Tarrant County

Fort Worth's own rule is shown above (No permit under 7 sqft). 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 Fort Worth 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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