Fort Worth Residential Front Yard Fence Height Regulations
In the City of Fort Worth, the maximum height for an open-design fence in the front yard of a one-family or two-family residential property is generally four feet. Solid fences and walls are strictly prohibited in the required front yards of these Fort Worth districts unless a special exception is granted by the board of adjustment, while decorative fence columns are permitted up to a maximum height of five feet, six inches [Section 5.305(b)].
One-Family and Two-Family Residential Districts
The City of Fort Worth regulates front yard fencing in one-family and two-family districts based on the "density" of the fence design. Open-design fences—such as wrought-iron, tubular steel, or picket styles—must not exceed 50% density to qualify for standard height allowances.
| Fence Element or Condition | Maximum Height | Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Open-Design Fence (standard) | 4 feet | [Section 5.305(b)(2)a] |
| Open-Design Fence (special exception) | 5 feet | [Section 5.305(b)(2)c] |
| Solid Fence or Wall | Prohibited | [Section 5.305(b)(2)b] |
| Decorative Columns/Posts | 5 feet, 6 inches | [Section 5.305(b)(2)d] |
| Corner Lot Visibility Triangle | 2 feet | [Section 5.305(b)(8)] |
Exceptions and Prohibitions
In these Fort Worth residential districts, solid fences and walls are not permitted in the established or projected front yard. A property owner may apply for a special exception to the City of Fort Worth Board of Adjustment to allow a solid fence up to four feet in height [Section 5.305(b)(2)b]. Additionally, a five-foot open-design fence may be permitted through a special exception if the board determines it is compatible with adjacent properties and the applicant obtains consent from neighbors directly across the street [Section 5.305(b)(2)c].
Multifamily and Urban Residential Districts
Fencing requirements differ in higher-density Fort Worth residential zones, such as the Urban Residential (UR) district and various Multifamily (CR, C, and D) districts. In these areas, the focus is often on maintaining a pedestrian-oriented streetscape.
Multifamily (CR, C, and D) Districts
In Fort Worth Multifamily districts, fences are generally prohibited in the area between the building facades and the property line along public streets [Section 4.710(d)(4)b]. However, specific height limits apply to private patios and entries:
- Private Patios and Yards: Fences or railings may extend into the front yard but must not exceed four feet (48 inches) in total height [Section 4.710(d)(4)f.i].
- Elevated Stoops: For elevated residential stoops, the total railing or wall height is permitted to reach five feet (60 inches) [Section 4.710(d)(4)f.ii].
Urban Residential (UR) and Stop Six (SS) Overlay Districts
In the Fort Worth Urban Residential (UR) and Stop Six (SS) Overlay districts, any fence or wall located along a public street frontage that is taller than four feet must be of an "open design" [Section 4.408(e)(4)d; Section 4.713(h)(2)d].
Corner Lot Visibility (P.O.S.E.)
For residential properties located on corner lots in the City of Fort Worth, strict height limits are enforced to maintain traffic safety. No fence exceeding two feet in height is permitted within the "public open space easement" (P.O.S.E.), which is a triangle formed by measuring 20 feet in each direction from the corner of the property line at the street intersection [Section 5.305(b)(8)].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.408 Stop Six (“SS”) Overlay District
- Section 4.710 Low Density Multifamily (“CR”) District
- Section 4.713 Urban Residential (“UR”) District
- Section 5.305 Fences