City of Texas City fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Texas City? Yes. The City of Texas City requires a permit before you build a fence.
buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Texas City (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Side and rear yards
- 8 feet maximum in back yard source
- Front (street) yard
- Front yard opaque fences: maximum 30 inches; front-yard fences limited to a band from 2.5 feet to 6 feet above front walk grade (Ord. 160.085/160.086(F)) source
- Corner lots
- Side-street fences on corner lots follow front yard rules; City Commission may approve by special ordinance up to 8 feet projecting no more than 5 feet into required side yard source
- Distance from lot line
- Corner lot street-side yard generally matches the front yard requirement; where the side street has no fronting property, minimum side yard is 20 feet or the front setback depth, whichever is less. source
- How to apply
- Online portal source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of Texas City
Steps based on texascitytx.gov — Residential Fence Permit PDF
- Register with the City (homestead exemption proof and driver's license copy).
- Get a property survey stamped within the last 10 years.
- Submit the fence application and survey online through the City's permit portal.
- Check your HOA covenants.
- Call 811 before digging (the City's guide says submit the request at least 2 working days ahead).
Who to contact
Building Inspections
Building Inspections, Engineering & Planning
- Phone
- 409-643-5946
- [email protected]
- Address
- 7800 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Texas City, TX 77592
Contact from texascitytx.gov — Building Inspections
What to submit
- Registration with the City (proof of homestead exemption filed with Galveston County Appraisal District and copy of driver's license)
- Property survey with stamp date within the last 10 years
Other rules to know
- Permit needed for a new fence, relocating a fence or changing fence height. No fence permit is issued for vacant property.
- Acceptable fence types: wood, wrought iron, chain link.
- Retaining walls of any height need a City permit; walls over 2 feet need engineered plans.
- Check HOA deed restrictions.
- The fence guideline PDF says to submit through MYGOV, but the Building Inspections page says permits are processed in MGO; the MGO portal is listed here.
Before you dig
Call 811 before digging post holes so underground utility lines are marked. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. County parcel maps can be off by several feet; if you're not sure where the line is, a licensed land surveyor can stake it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in the City of Texas City, TX?
Yes. The City of Texas City requires a permit before you build a fence.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Texas City?
Side and rear yards: 8 feet maximum in back yard. Front (street) yard: Front yard opaque fences: maximum 30 inches; front-yard fences limited to a band from 2.5 feet to 6 feet above front walk grade (Ord. 160.085/160.086(F)). Corner lots: Side-street fences on corner lots follow front yard rules; City Commission may approve by special ordinance up to 8 feet projecting no more than 5 feet into required side yard.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of Texas City?
Corner lot street-side yard generally matches the front yard requirement; where the side street has no fronting property, minimum side yard is 20 feet or the front setback depth, whichever is less.
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of Texas City?
Register with the City (homestead exemption proof and driver's license copy). Get a property survey stamped within the last 10 years. Submit the fence application and survey online through the City's permit portal. Check your HOA covenants. Call 811 before digging (the City's guide says submit the request at least 2 working days ahead). buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Texas City (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Texas City?
Building Inspections, Building Inspections, Engineering & Planning. Phone 409-643-5946, email [email protected].
Sources
Summarized from the City of Texas City's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Ordinance Secs. 160.085 and 160.086(F)
Work for the City of Texas City? Help us keep this right
If anything on this page is wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Municipal staff reports are reviewed first. Please include a link to the current ordinance, form or fee schedule if you can.