📋 Key Rules
Tarrant County spans the Fort Worth side of the DFW Metroplex. Like Harris County, unincorporated Tarrant County areas do not require a residential fence permit — Texas has no statewide permit law and Tarrant County has not adopted a residential fence permit ordinance for unincorporated areas. Incorporated cities within Tarrant County each set their own rules.
Permit Thresholds — Fort Worth Area
| City / Jurisdiction | Backyard Threshold | Front Yard | Fee | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $60–$100 | (817) 392-2222 |
| Arlington | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$90 | (817) 459-6502 |
| Grand Prairie (also Dallas Co.) | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$85 | (972) 237-8255 |
| Mansfield | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $45–$80 | (817) 276-4200 |
| Euless | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $45–$75 | (817) 685-1400 |
| Keller | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$80 | (817) 743-4000 |
| Southlake | Over 6 ft; front yard strict HOA rules | Per HOA | $50–$85 | (817) 748-8621 |
| Unincorporated Tarrant | No permit required | N/A | — | — |
Key Rules for Tarrant County Tx
Unincorporated Tarrant County has no residential fence permit requirement. If your address is within a city limit, that city's rules apply. Southlake, Westlake, and Colleyville have very high HOA coverage with strict architectural control — expect rigorous ACC review for any fence project in these communities. Texas Property Code §202 governs HOA fence restrictions statewide.
How to Apply
- Identify your jurisdiction — Confirm whether your address falls under city, county, or township rules. Use your county's online parcel viewer.
- Get HOA approval first — If you're in an HOA, obtain written architectural approval before applying for any government permit.
- Prepare documents — Completed application, site plan with setback measurements, property survey or plat, HOA approval letter.
- Submit and pay — Fort Worth Dev.: (817) 392-2222. Fee: $45–$100 depending on city.
- Build and inspect — Post permit at job site. Schedule final inspection after fence is complete.
Setback Rules
Standard residential setbacks in Texas allow fences at the rear and side property lines (0 ft setback) in most residential zones. Front yard fences must sit behind the right-of-way line — not at the curb or sidewalk. Corner lots face sight triangle restrictions at intersections. Use our Setback Calculator for estimates, or confirm with your building department.
HOA Rules in the Fort Worth Area
The Fort Worth metro has significant HOA coverage in newer suburban developments. HOA approval and a building permit are separate requirements — get written HOA approval first, then apply for the permit. See our HOA Rules guides for homeowner protections in Texas. Use our HOA Dispute Decision Tree if you’ve received a denial.
Free: Fence Permit Application Checklist
Every document and step for your permit application in the Fort Worth area.
⬇ Download Free PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Standard residential fence permits typically take 3–10 business days in most Fort Worth area jurisdictions. Applications in flood zones or requiring variance consideration take 3–6 weeks. Always apply before ordering materials or scheduling your contractor.
Yes, if both apply. They are entirely separate processes. Get written HOA approval first, then apply for the building permit. One does not substitute for the other.
In most Texas jurisdictions, homeowners may pull their own building permits for work on their primary residence. You do not need a licensed contractor to obtain the permit, though any contractor doing the work must be licensed to operate in that city or county. Confirm with your specific building department.