City of Fort Worth fence rules
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Fort Worth? No. The City of Fort Worth does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
At buildit.dog you can draw your fence on an aerial photo of your lot and check it against the City of Fort Worth's rules before you build. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- No (typical residential fence) source
- Front (street) yard
- 4 ft in the front yard and projected front yard, open design (50% density, e.g. wrought iron or picket) source
- Not allowed
- Chain link in the front yard and projected front yard. source
- How to apply
- In person source
Still being confirmed with Fort Worth: What are the maximum side and rear fence heights?
How to build within the rules in the City of Fort Worth
Steps based on fortworthtexas.gov — nuts and bolts eng
- Fences up to 6 ft (solid) or 8 ft (open) don't need a building permit, but must meet zoning rules (4 ft and open in front yards; no chain link there).
- For a taller fence, apply at the Permit Center in City Hall; zoning questions: 817-392-8028.
- Call 811 before digging.
Who to contact
Planning and Development Department
City of Fort Worth
- Phone
- 817-392-2222
- Address
- Permit Center, Fort Worth City Hall (lower level, south end), 1000 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth, TX
Contact from fortworthtexas.gov — nuts and bolts eng
Other rules to know
- A building permit is required only for solid fences over 6 ft or open fences over 8 ft.
- Fences may need extra approval in historic districts.
- Rules are in Zoning Ordinance Chapter 5, Article 5.305.
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 Fort Worth, TX?
No. The City of Fort Worth does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Fort Worth?
Front (street) yard: 4 ft in the front yard and projected front yard, open design (50% density, e.g. wrought iron or picket).
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Fort Worth?
Planning and Development Department, City of Fort Worth. Phone 817-392-2222.
Sources
Summarized from the City of Fort Worth's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Zoning Ordinance Chapter 5, Article 5.305
Work for the City of Fort Worth? 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.