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If you are considering adding a fence to your Austin property, you may ask yourself, “Do I need a permit to build a fence?”.
In this comprehensive guide, we answer all your questions and explain how the rules work regarding fences in Austin. Whatever your plans, you should always check first what permits (if any) are required- and speak with a professional team about how best to proceed with installation.
The Austin Fence Company is a trusted leader in Texas fence building and can help you achieve your vision in line with the rules.
The Short Answer: Do I Need a Permit for Fence Installation on My Property?
If you are a property owner in Austin, you might need a fence permit. It depends on the height of your proposed fence and where your property is located. Most fences do not require a permit, but it is essential to understand the rules before you move forward with your plans.
When Is a Permit Required to Build a Fence in Austin?
A few factors may mean a permit is required for your fence installation. It usually comes down to one of the following:
The height of your fence
The location of your property
The type of fence you plan to build
See below for more details!
Rules and Regulations
Here is more in-depth information regarding building codes, regulations, and fence permit laws in Austin.
Fence Height
Most fences under six feet tall do not require a permit. Some exceptions may apply to retaining walls and masonry fences, which are capped at four feet without prior approval.
You may be able to build a fence taller than six feet, but not if your property is on the City of Austin Right of Way.
All fences that are eight feet or taller at any point must have a permit (unless they are considered ornamental fences).
Fence Types
Permit laws also vary depending on the type of fence- a.k.a. solid or ornamental. A solid fence (at least 20% solid materials, including wood, stone, PVC, etc.) is often used as a privacy fence in residential areas. The usual height limit is six feet, but some solid fences can be built up to eight feet (often with a permit).
Ornamental fences have more open areas and are usually made using metal (including chain links). There is no height limit for ornamental fences, technically.
Floodplains
Fence permits are always required for any properties located in a floodplain. The Floodpro website can tell you whether or not your property is in this category.
Zoning Regulations
Whether or not you can build an eight-foot fence without a permit depends on how your property and the adjacent property are zoned. Rules vary depending on whether you are in the city or a rural area, and commercial and industrial properties sometimes have different rules.
If you have a corner lot, you usually need a permit to build a fence higher than six feet tall in case it obstructs traffic views.
Property Lines
Fences built on a property line should not exceed six feet from the natural grading. There is an exception when there is a sharp incline or decline of more than a foot. In this case, the total height can be seven feet.
How Do You Get an Austin Fence Permit?
There are four steps to securing a fence permit in Austin.
The first step is the online application process, completed through your local government or municipality’s website (you can also do it in person at the relevant office). All you do is fill out the form and pay the fee, which varies from $30-$200.
Next, you submit your plans for review, ensuring all regulations are met. If anything doesn’t check out, they may contact you for amendments.
Once the site plan is approved, you receive written consent to build your fence through a building permit. You will normally be informed via email when the permit application is complete.
Summary
In short, most fences built in Austin do not require a permit, but there are a few rules before proceeding with your fence project. Unless you want to build above six feet or live in a regulated zone, you can usually go ahead without one.
If you have any questions about Austin fence building or are looking for a top-quality team to handle your construction or remodeling, contact the Austin Fence Company today for a friendly, professional consultation and cost estimate free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
As long as your house is zoned as residential and you donโt intend to build a fence higher than six feet, you most likely do not have to acquire a permit. However, it is essential to check the local laws beforehand.
There are almost no state-wide fence laws in Texas. Most regulations are applied locally in counties or cities. In some parts of Texas, you can do almost anything with your fence- as long as your local municipality or rule makers say it is okay.
A new law regarding residential fences came into effect in Texas in September 2022. It states that homeowners can build a perimeter fence along their property line for added security without homeownersโ associationsโ restrictions.
Local laws regarding height restrictions still apply, but an HOA cannot stop it from happening altogether. They can, however, stipulate approval on the materials used before it is built.
