Dallas Fence Height Regulations for Side and Rear Yards
Under the general provisions of the Dallas Development Code, the maximum height for a fence located in a required side or rear yard is nine feet above grade. However, in specific areas designated as Form Districts—including Walkable Urban (WMU), Walkable Urban Residential (WR), and Residential Transition (RTN) districts—the maximum height for a fence in any required yard other than a door yard is limited to six feet above grade. All fences must be maintained to comply with safety and visibility standards, and certain materials like sheet metal or plywood are strictly prohibited throughout the City of Dallas.
Maximum Fence Height Requirements
The Dallas Development Code establishes specific height limitations based on the zoning district and the location of the fence on the property. While the general rule allows for taller fences in the rear and side of a property to ensure privacy, these are subject to measurement standards and district-specific overrides.
Fence Height Standards by District
| Zoning Category or District Type | Maximum Side/Rear Yard Fence Height | Reference Section |
|---|---|---|
| General Residential and Nonresidential Districts | 9 Feet | [Section 51A-4.602(a)(2)] |
| Walkable Urban (WMU) Districts | 6 Feet | [Section 51A-13.501(i)(2)] |
| Walkable Urban Residential (WR) Districts | 6 Feet | [Section 51A-13.501(i)(2)] |
| Residential Transition (RTN) Districts | 6 Feet | [Section 51A-13.501(i)(2)] |
| Form District Door Yards | 3 Feet | [Section 51A-13.501(i)(2)] |
Measurement and Construction Standards
The City of Dallas provides specific rules for how the height of a fence must be calculated to ensure uniform compliance with the Dallas Development Code.
- Measurement in Single Family and Duplex Districts: For fences in a required side or rear yard, height is measured from the top of the fence to the level of the ground on the inside of the fence [Section 51A-4.602(a)(7)(A)(ii)].
- Measurement in Other Districts: In all other zoning districts, fence height is measured from the top of the fence to the level of the ground on the side of the fence with the highest grade [Section 51A-4.602(a)(7)(B)].
- Artificially Altered Grade: If a fence is constructed on fill material that alters the grade by more than one foot of height for every three feet of distance, the artificially altered grade is included in the height calculation [Section 51A-4.602(a)(7)(A)(i)].
Prohibited Materials and Safety
The Dallas Development Code prohibits the use of certain materials for fence construction to maintain community aesthetics and safety.
Prohibited Materials
In all districts, the following materials may not be used for fence construction:
- Sheet metal
- Corrugated metal
- Fiberglass panels
- Plywood [Section 51A-4.602(a)(9)]
Hazardous Materials (Barbed and Razor Wire)
Barbed wire and razor ribbon (concertina wire) are prohibited in all residential districts within the City of Dallas, except for properties located within an Agricultural [A(A)] district. In nonresidential districts, these materials are permitted only if the fence is at least six feet in height and the wire does not project over the property line [Section 51A-4.602(a)(9)(F)-(G)].
Firefighting Access
The Dallas Development Code requires that all fences be constructed to provide sufficient firefighting access to the side and rear yards of the property [Section 51A-4.602(a)(10)].
Exceptions and Variances
Property owners in the City of Dallas may seek a special exception from the Dallas Board of Adjustment for fence standards if they can demonstrate that the requested deviation will not adversely affect neighboring property [Section 51A-4.602(a)(11)]. Furthermore, if a fence along an existing street is constrained by an existing building, the building official may modify streetscape standards to accommodate the area between the building and the curb [Section 51A-13.503(g)].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.602. FENCE, SCREENING AND VISUAL OBSTRUCTION REGULATIONS.
- Section 51A-13.501. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
- Section 51A-13.503. EXISTING STREETS.
- Section 51A-4.703. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT HEARING PROCEDURES.