Fort Worth Residential and Commercial Fence Height Standards
In the City of Fort Worth, fences located within the side or rear yards (defined as being behind the front building setback line) are generally permitted to reach a maximum height of eight feet [Section 5.305(b)(7)]. For corner lots, the City of Fort Worth imposes a safety restriction limiting any fence or structure to a maximum height of two feet within a 20-foot visibility triangle at the street intersection [Section 5.305(b)(8)].
Maximum Fence Heights in the City of Fort Worth
The following table outlines the maximum height requirements for fences based on their location on the property and the specific zoning context within the City of Fort Worth.
| Location or Property Type | Maximum Height | Required Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Rear and Side Yards | 8 feet | Must be located behind the front building setback line [Section 5.305(b)(7)]. |
| Front Yard (Standard) | 4 feet | Limited to open designs (wrought-iron, tubular steel, or picket) with no more than 50% density [Section 5.305(b)(2)]. |
| Front Yard (Special Exception) | 5 feet | Open design; requires consent of adjacent property owners and a board of adjustment exception [Section 5.305(b)(2)]. |
| Visibility Triangle (Corner Lot) | 2 feet | Measured 20 feet in each direction from the point of the street intersection [Section 5.305(b)(8)]. |
| Utility Facilities (Front Yard) | 8 feet | Open design fence; limited to areas around utility infrastructure [Section 5.305(b)(4)]. |
Mandatory Screening and Minimum Heights
While the City of Fort Worth sets maximum height limits to preserve neighborhood character, certain commercial and industrial uses are required to install screening fences with specific minimum heights to protect adjacent residential districts.
| Use or District Type | Minimum Fence Height | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Park (IP) District | 6 feet | Required around outside storage of new products [Section 4.1104(b)(14)]. |
| Automotive Repair Shops | 6 feet | Required to screen vehicles accepted for repair from residential view [Section 5.104(b)(1)]. |
| Large Retail Stores | 8 feet | Required for permanent outdoor storage and loading areas [Section 5.134(a)(9)]. |
| Bufferyards (Adjacent to Residential) | 6 feet | Required for any nonresidential use established adjacent to a one- or two-family district [Section 6.300(d)]. |
| Car Wash Facilities | 6 feet | Required along site property lines abutting a residential district [Section 5.108(i)]. |
Measurement of Fence Height
The City of Fort Worth specifies that the height of any fence or gate must be measured from the highest adjacent grade parallel to the fence to the highest point of the structure [Section 5.305(b)(9)].
Construction and Materials
Screening fences exceeding six feet in height must meet specific engineering standards. The City of Fort Worth permits the following materials for such structures:
- Wood: Must use metal posts set in concrete at least three feet deep. Boards must be spruce, cedar, or redwood of "select" or "#1" grade [Section 5.305(c)(2)].
- Masonry: Includes brick, stone, or Grade N, Type I concrete blocks [Section 5.305(c)(2)].
- Concrete: Must be designed by a licensed engineer and may be poured-in-place or lift-slab construction [Section 5.305(c)(2)].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.1104 Industrial Park ("IP") District
- Section 5.104 Automotive Repair; Paint and Body Shop
- Section 5.108 Car Wash
- Section 5.134 Store, Large Retail
- Section 5.305 Fences
- Section 6.300 Bufferyard and Supplemental Building Setback