City of Arlington Corner Lot Fence and Visibility Triangle Regulations
In the City of Arlington, privacy fences taller than two feet must be set back at least five feet from the side property line on corner lots and 7.5 feet on reverse corner lots. To maintain safe lines of sight, any structure, fence, or sign located within a required visibility triangle is generally restricted to a maximum height of two feet above the grade of the adjacent street. Trees located within these areas must be pruned to a minimum clearance of six feet above the ground to ensure unobstructed views for motorists [Section 5.3.4.A.2.e and Section 6.4.5.A.3].
Corner Lot Fence Standards
The City of Arlington Unified Development Code distinguishes between standard corner lots and reverse corner lots for the purpose of fencing. A reverse corner lot is defined as a corner lot where the side property line is perpendicular to the front property line of an adjoining lot [Section 12.7.1].
For all single-family residentially zoned lots in the City of Arlington, the following setback and height requirements apply to privacy fences located along side property lines:
Residential Corner Lot Fencing Requirements
| Feature | Corner Lot Standard | Reverse Corner Lot Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Max Height at Property Line | 2 feet | 2 feet |
| Minimum Setback for Fences > 2ft | 5 feet from side property line | 7.5 feet from side property line |
| Maximum Overall Height | 8 feet | 8 feet |
Note: These height measurements are taken from the highest adjacent grade within ten feet of the fence [Section 5.3.4.A.2.e].
Front Yard Fencing
Fences located within the front yard setback of any City of Arlington residential district are subject to stricter height and material limitations to maintain neighborhood character and visibility.
| Fence Type | Maximum Height | Required Transparency |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Vinyl or Composite Picket | 3 feet | 50% visibility |
| Ornamental Metal Rail | 4 feet | 75% transparency |
Note: Masonry columns may be used with these fences but cannot be spaced closer than specified by the Zoning Administrator [Section 5.3.4.A.2.g].
Visibility Triangle Requirements
The City of Arlington mandates that visibility triangles be maintained at all intersections to ensure public safety. These requirements apply to fences, signs, and landscaping.
General Visibility Standards
Per the City of Arlington Unified Development Code, no sign, display, or fence may be located within a visibility triangle unless it meets specific clearance or height criteria:
- Low-Profile Objects: Any sign, flag, or fence must not exceed two feet in height as measured from the grade to the top of the object [Section 7.6.5.D].
- High-Profile Objects: A sign or display may be permitted if it provides a minimum vertical clearance of seven feet from the grade to the bottom of the sign, provided its support structure does not exceed six inches in diameter [Section 7.6.5.D].
- Landscaping: Trees are permitted within the triangular area formed by adjoining street property lines only if the limbs are pruned to at least six feet above the grade level of the adjacent street [Section 6.4.5.A.3].
Prohibited Obstructions
The City of Arlington Zoning Administrator has the authority to prohibit any sign or structure within a visibility triangle—even if it technically meets height requirements—if it is determined that the location interferes with driver lines of sight or creates a hazard [Section 7.6.5.D].
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Fencing
In City of Arlington non-residential and mixed-use districts, fencing standards emphasize the protection of the front facade and the streetscape.
- Height: Fencing is generally limited to a maximum of eight feet in height [Section 5.3.4.B.1].
- Facade Alignment: Any fence or gate that exceeds four feet in height is prohibited from extending beyond the front facade of the building [Section 5.3.4.B.1].
- Materials: Chain link, vinyl, and sheet or corrugated metal are prohibited in non-residential and mixed-use districts, though the City of Arlington Zoning Administrator may approve chain link specifically for daycare or institutional playgrounds [Section 5.3.4.B.1].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.1.6, Setbacks
- Section 5.3.4, Fences
- Section 5.3.5, Visibility Triangles Maintained
- Section 6.4.5, Street Layout Requirements
- Section 7.6.5, Obstructions to View
- Section 12.7.1, Other Terms Defined