Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted fence: $50–$500 estimated city fees for a permitted fence (valuation-based; standard non-masonry fences ≤ 6 ft in rear/side yard typically no building permit fee)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit (valuation-based) | $50–$500 | Fees are calculated based on project valuation using the DSD fee schedule (updated January 2025 with 2.9367% increase). Verify current amounts at dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/pages/fees.aspx. |
| Inspection fee | Included | A standard fence building permit includes a final inspection under the issued permit. |
| Historic district Certificate of Appropriateness | Varies | Contact the Office of Historic Preservation for current CA application fees and review timelines. |
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Conditions
The rules that apply
- A building permit is required for any fence or wall exceeding 6 feet in height in a side or rear yard.
- A building permit is required for any fence or wall exceeding 4 feet in height in a required front yard.
- Masonry or concrete fences of any height require a building permit.
- Fences exceeding 9 feet in height are classified as structures and require sealed plans from a Texas-licensed Professional Engineer.
- Standard wood, chain-link, or wrought iron fences 6 feet or under in the rear or side yard (and not masonry) do NOT require a building permit, but must comply with Dallas Development Code zoning standards.
- Properties in a designated historic district require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Office of Historic Preservation before construction.
- Properties in a conservation district require a Conservation District Work Review Form in addition to any building permit.
- Planned Development (PD) district properties must comply with their specific PD ordinance fence standards, which may differ from the general code.
- HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) may impose stricter height, material, or design requirements and are enforced separately from city rules.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- Completed building permit application through DallasNow online portal.
- Two copies of a site plan drawn to scale showing property lines, dimensions, proposed fence location, and all gates.
- Elevation drawings indicating fence height, material, and post spacing.
- Drawings must use minimum 3/32" text size and maximum 36" × 48" sheet size.
- Structural plans sealed by a Texas-licensed Professional Engineer if the fence exceeds 9 feet in height.
- Historic Preservation Certificate of Appropriateness if the property is in a locally designated historic district.
- Conservation District Work Review Form if the property is in a conservation district.
- HOA approval documentation if required by subdivision CC&Rs.
- Homeowner authorization if a contractor files on the owner's behalf.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
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Determine whether your fence requires a permit Check the height, location, and material of your planned fence. Standard non-masonry fences 6 feet and under in the rear or side yard generally do not need a building permit in Dallas. Fences over 6 feet in side/rear yards, over 4 feet in front yards, or any masonry fence require a permit.
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Check for overlay districts and easements Verify whether your property is in a historic district, conservation district, Planned Development district, or floodplain. Each adds review requirements. Contact Dallas Sustainable Development at (214) 948-4480 or check the city's online zoning maps.
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Prepare your site plan and drawings Prepare two copies of a scaled site plan showing lot lines, the proposed fence line, gates, and dimensions. For fences over 9 feet, obtain sealed structural plans from a Texas PE.
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Submit through DallasNow Log in to the DallasNow permit portal at aca-prod.accela.com/DALLASTX, start a new permit application, upload your plans, and pay the initial fee.
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Respond to any plan review comments Dallas Development Services may request revisions to setback dimensions, structural details, or site-plan accuracy. Respond promptly and resubmit updated documents through DallasNow.
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Receive permit and begin construction Once approved, download and keep the permit accessible at the job site. Do not start work before the permit is issued.
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Schedule required inspections Request inspections through DallasNow or by calling the IVR system at (214) 670-5313 at least 24 hours in advance. A final inspection is required after installation.
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Close out the permit After the final inspection passes, the permit is closed. Retain documentation for your records — it helps with insurance, title review, and future resale.
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Tools & materials
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Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-14.
Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A, Sec. 51A-4.602 (Fence, Screening, and Visual Obstruction Regulations); 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted by the City of Dallas with local amendments.
Residential permit page: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/Pages/forms-applications.aspx
If you skip the permit
- Dallas Code Compliance can issue a stop-work order if unpermitted fence construction is discovered.
- Daily fines can accumulate until the violation is resolved through a permit after-the-fact or by removing the fence.
- An after-the-fact permit may cost more than the original permit fee and may require removal of completed sections for inspection.
- Insurance claims related to property damage involving an unpermitted fence may be complicated or denied.
- Unpermitted fences in setbacks, easements, or visibility triangles can become deal-breakers during a real estate transaction.
- Historic or conservation district violations can result in mandatory removal orders.
FAQ
Common Dallas fence permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a 6-foot privacy fence in my Dallas backyard?
Usually not, as long as it is not a masonry fence. Standard wood, chain-link, or wrought iron fences 6 feet and under in the rear or side yard generally do not require a building permit in Dallas. Masonry fences of any height always require a permit. You still must comply with Dallas Development Code zoning standards for setbacks, visibility triangles, and allowed materials.
What is the maximum fence height allowed in my front yard in Dallas?
Most Dallas residential zoning districts limit front yard fences to 4 feet in height. In single-family districts, solid fences (less than 50% open surface area) must be set back at least 5 feet from the front lot line. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle restrictions.
What materials are prohibited for residential fences in Dallas?
R-Panel, metal panel (standing seam or corrugated), and plywood are prohibited for residential fences in Dallas. Barbed wire and razor ribbon are prohibited in residential districts except Agricultural (A(A)) zoning. Permitted materials include wood, masonry, chain link, wrought iron, and vinyl.
How much does a Dallas fence permit cost?
Fence permit fees are based on project valuation. A practical estimate is $50–$500 in city fees depending on the fence scope. Standard non-masonry backyard fences 6 feet and under typically incur no building permit fee because no permit is required. Verify current amounts at the DSD fees page.
How long does it take to get a fence permit in Dallas?
Single-family and duplex fence permits are typically reviewed in 1 to 3 business days once a complete application is submitted. Total project timing is roughly 1 to 3 weeks including inspections. Historic district reviews can add 30 to 60 days.
I live in a Dallas historic district — what extra steps do I need?
Properties in Dallas's locally designated historic districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) from the Office of Historic Preservation before building a fence. The CA review considers height, materials, design, and visibility. A CA does not replace the building permit — both are required. Contact the Office of Historic Preservation for current timelines.
Does my HOA have authority over my fence even if the city doesn't require a permit?
Yes. HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) are private agreements that often impose stricter rules on fence height, material, color, and style than Dallas city code. Always check your subdivision's CC&Rs and get HOA approval before starting, even for fences that are exempt from a city building permit.
What are the visibility triangle rules for fences in Dallas?
No fence, berm, plant, or structure may be erected in a visibility triangle between 2.5 feet and 8 feet in height. This applies at all intersections and driveways per the Dallas Development Code. Corner lots and properties near intersections should verify their visibility triangle requirements before building.
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Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with Dallas permitting staff before you build.