The standards set forth in this article are established to encourage the suitable use of land while advancing the following goals of the City: to preserve privacy; ensure safety, protect the character, stability and value of adjacent land and development; and enhance the aesthetic quality of the City's neighborhoods and streetscapes. No fence or screening device shall be constructed or placed in such a manner as would endanger the health or safety of the general public.
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Alternate orientation
Is created when a structure located on a corner lot is constructed to face the street frontage not normally associated to be the front of the lot.
Barrier
Means a fence, wall, building wall or combination thereof that completely surrounds a swimming pool and obstructs access to a swimming pool.
Corner lot
Means a lot, tract or parcel, which abuts two streets at their intersection, with the longer street frontage being the side of the lot.
Electrical fence
Means an outdoor area enclosure consisting of an electrically charged or partially charged metallic material designed to discourage crossing by either man or animal.
Fence
Means an outdoor area enclosure of wood, chain link or other approved building material serving to enclose, divide or protect an area. Fences shall be defined as walls when the average construction thickness exceeds three inches.
Front building setback
Means the minimum required front yard setback as specified under the city zoning regulations.
Interior lot
Means a lot, tract or parcel which is bounded by one or more lots, tracts or parcels along both sides of the lot lines (not a corner lot).
Key lot
Means an interior lot, tract or parcel which sides to the rear of one or more lots, tracts or parcels.
Non-residentially zoned areas
Means any land within the city zoned for non-residential uses.
Office, business or industrial park complex enclosure (including entry features)
Means a wall of masonry and pressure-treated timber, plaster, iron or other approved building material serving to enclose or protect an office, business or industrial park complex. Park/complex enclosures are limited to application along the perimeters of platted non-residential subdivisions containing four or more lots.
Outdoor area enclosure
Means any fence, wall or structure of various materials designed to serve as an enclosure of an outdoor area, a barrier or boundary, or to otherwise divide or protect an area.
Privacy/security enclosures
Means fences, walls or structures located on individual lots, tracts or parcels for the purpose of enclosing an outdoor area for privacy or security purposes.
Rear lot line
Means the boundary line of any lot, tract or parcel opposite the front yard of the lot, being the rear property boundary.
Residential subdivision enclosures (including subdivision entry features)
Means a wall of masonry or masonry and pressure-treated timber, plaster, iron or other approved building material serving to enclose, divide or protect a residential subdivision. Residential subdivision enclosures are limited to application along the perimeters of platted residential subdivisions containing ten or more lots.
Residential zoned areas
Means any land within the city zoned for residential uses.
Side lot line
Means the boundary line extending between the front and rear lot lines of a lot, tract or parcel, being the side property boundaries.
Spa, non-self-contained
Means a hydromassage pool or tub for recreational or therapeutic use, not located in health care facilities, designed for immersion of users and usually having a filter, heater and motor-driven blower. It may be installed indoors or outdoors, on the ground or on a supporting structure, or in the ground or in a supporting structure. A non-self-contained spa is intended for recreational bathing and contains water over twenty-four (24) inches deep.
Spa, self-contained
Means a continuous-duty appliance in which all control, water-heating and water-circulating equipment is an integral part of the product, located entirely under the spa skirt. A self-contained spa is intended for recreational bathing and contains water over twenty-four (24) inches deep.
Swimming pool
Means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over twenty-four (24) inches deep. This includes in-ground, aboveground, and on-ground swimming pools, fixed-in-place wading pools, hot tubs, and spas.
Visibility triangle
Means an area located at the intersection of two streets, created by measuring twenty-five (25) feet from the intersection along each curb or edge of pavement.
Wall
Means an outdoor area enclosure of masonry, wood, plaster or other approved building material serving to enclose, divide or protect an area. Fences shall be defined as walls when the average construction thickness exceeds three inches.
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)
Any person who willfully refuses or fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a code violation and subject to a penalty and/or fine in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 1.109 of this code.
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)
The requirements in this article shall apply to all fences and screening devices in all zoning districts within the City. These standards shall apply to both required and optional screening fences. Fences not required may be removed without any penalty.
(1) 
A fence permit shall be required and obtained from the Building Inspections Department prior to its installation or construction, whether or not said device is required.
(2) 
The fence or screening device shall be located entirely on private property and no part of said device shall be in the public right-of-way. Typically, fences may be placed within one foot of the right-of-way.
(3) 
No fence, screen wall, barrier, or visual barrier shall be constructed or located where it obstructs the vision of motor vehicle drivers approaching any street or intersection.
(A) 
At all street intersections, a clear vision must be maintained across the lot for a distance of twenty-five (25) feet back from the corner along both streets.
(B) 
The location of a fence or screening device must be reviewed in accordance with this chapter, and if necessary by an engineer, to ensure said device will not obstruct visibility and that there are no traffic safety issues.
(4) 
Any required fencing or screening wall shall be in place before the final acceptance of a development's public improvements or Certificate of Occupancy (CO), if applicable.
(A) 
When a fence or screening device is built in phases for a development, the color, height, style, and exterior finish for all phases shall be matched as closely as possible, and shall in no case be incompatible.
(B) 
The fence or screening device shall be equally finished on both sides.
(5) 
No Certificate of Occupancy (CO) will be issued until all required fencing or screening devices have been erected in accordance with the standards set forth by this article, the Subdivision Ordinance, and the Zoning Ordinance. This requirement, however, shall not apply to a conditional Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued for model homes used for the sole purpose of marketing and sales.
(6) 
The height of a fence or screening device shall be the vertical distance from the ground level to the top of the fence or screening device. The following shall be the maximum height for a fence:
(A) 
Generally, the maximum height for a fence shall be eight feet with the following exceptions:
(i) 
Fences for salvage and/or junk yards shall have a maximum height of twelve (12) feet.
(ii) 
Airport fencing encompassing areas used for the maneuvering of aircraft on runways, taxiways, aprons, fueling stations, aircraft parking, and aircraft storage, shall have a minimum height of ten (10) feet to protect against wildlife entering onto airport property.
(B) 
Fences greater than eight feet in height shall be engineered for wind resistance.
(C) 
Masonry fences shall be a maximum of eight feet with masonry fences and masonry and/or concrete fences and walls over four feet being engineered for wind resistance.
(7) 
Fences in an exterior side yard shall be behind the front building line of the primary structure on the property and shall not create a visual barrier in the visibility triangle at the street intersection.
(8) 
When a fence or screening device is required as a buffer between two different zoning districts, it shall be the responsibility of the owner of the more intensely zoned property to erect the required fence or screening device at the time of building construction, if such fence or screening device does not exist.
(9) 
Approved fence materials shall be those that are typically manufactured for and used in the fencing industry and shall include:
(A) 
Wooden planks with vertical posts consisting of galvanized steel;
(B) 
Masonry or reinforced concrete;
(C) 
Wrought iron, architectural steel, ornamental iron, tubular steel or other decorative-type metals which are suitable for this type of use;
(D) 
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl composite which is designed and manufactured specifically as fencing materials;
(E) 
Chain link; or
(F) 
Pipe-rail or split-rail fencing on properties shown to be consistent with the surrounding properties may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
(G) 
Other fence materials may be considered subject to the review and approval of the Building Official.
(H) 
All fencing materials must be designated for outdoor use and designed or treated to withstand the elements and provide resistance to decay.
(10) 
All fence materials shall be securely fastened using standard fasteners of the type, size and material intended for the particular use in the fencing industry. All nails and fasteners shall be of a nonrusting, noncorrosive metal and shall be of the type that when properly driven, will not work free due to wind vibration or shrinkage of the materials.
(11) 
The following types of fence or screening devices are prohibited:
(A) 
No fence may be constructed without first obtaining a permit from the Inspections Department.
(B) 
No fence shall be electrically charged, except for fences or screening devices that are:
(i) 
Used to enclose livestock on undeveloped tracts three acres or greater in area; and
(ii) 
Located more than 200 feet from any residence used for human habitation, other than a residence owned and occupied by the person responsible for said fence or screening device.
(C) 
No fence, guy wire, brace, or any post of any fence shall be constructed upon or caused to protrude over property that the City or general public owns or has an easement over, under, around, or through, without first obtaining permission from the City. This provision does not apply to utility easements, which are permitted to be fenced.
(D) 
No fences constructed of barbed wire on undeveloped land less than three acres.
(E) 
No R-Panel metal fences may be constructed.
(F) 
No fence, wall or outdoor area enclosure structure, may be erected, placed or altered within the city unless such fence, wall or outdoor area enclosure is in conformance with the provisions set forth in this article. Existing fences in violation of this article may remain, but may not be remodeled, repaired or replaced except in compliance with this article.
(G) 
Nonconforming fences that are damaged by accident, fire and/or act of nature may be temporarily repaired without a permit from the city. Permanent repair of more than fifty (50) percent to nonconforming fences requires compliance with this article.
(12) 
Fences, screening devices and barriers in existence at the time of the adoption of this article shall be exempt from the General Fence Design standards but shall conform to the maintenance requirements of this section. Any replacement, expansion, or structural addition of any kind shall conform to the provisions of this Section.
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)
An outdoor swimming pool shall be provided with a barrier that shall be installed, inspected and approved prior to plastering or filling with water. Residential pool and spa permits on lots without a current barrier shall permit an enclosure with the pool permit. The barrier shall comply with the following:
(1) 
The top of the barrier shall be at least six feet above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be two inches measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance at the bottom of the barrier may be increased to four inches when grade is a solid surface such as a concrete deck, or when the barrier is mounted on the top of an aboveground pool structure. When barriers have horizontal members spaced less than forty-five (45) inches apart, the horizontal members shall be placed on the pool side of the barrier. Any decorative design work on the side away from the swimming pool, such as protrusions, indentations or cutouts, which render the barrier easily climbable, is prohibited.
(2) 
Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 1 3/4-inch-diameter sphere. Exceptions:
(A) 
When vertical spacing between such openings is forty-five (45) inches or more, the opening size may be increased such that the passage of a four-inch-diameter sphere is not allowed.
(B) 
For fencing composed of vertical and horizontal members, the spacing between vertical members may be increased up to four inches when the distance between the tops of horizontal members if forty-five (45) inches or more.
(3) 
Chain-link fences used as the barrier shall not be less than 11 gauge.
(4) 
Access gates shall comply with the requirements of this section. Pedestrian access gates shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than fifty-four (54) inches from the bottom of the gate:
(A) 
The release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the barrier at least three inches below the top of the gate; and
(B) 
The gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than one-inch within eighteen (18) inches of the release mechanism. Pedestrian gates shall swing away from the pool. Any gates other than pedestrian access gates shall be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and shall remain locked at all times when not in use.
(5) 
Where a wall of a structure containing multiple dwelling units serves as part of the barrier and contains door openings between the dwelling unit and the outdoor swimming pool that provide direct access to the pool, a separation fence meeting the requirements of this section shall be provided. Exceptions: When approved by the building official, a self-closing and self-latching device installed on all doors with direct access to the pool with the release mechanism located a minimum of fifty-four (54) inches above the floor may be used.
(6) 
Where an aboveground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then:
(A) 
The ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access; or
(B) 
The ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of this section.
(C) 
When the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening created shall be protected by a barrier complying with this section.
(7) 
For an indoor swimming pool, protection shall comply with the requirements of subsection (5) of this section.
(8) 
For a non-self-contained and a self-contained spa or hot tub, protection shall comply with the requirements of this section. Exception: A self-contained spa or hot tub equipped with an approved safety cover shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)
In all cases wherein a lake, pool or pond is constructed and the same is within 1,000 feet of any residence, suitable fences shall be placed around such body of water adequate to prevent children from entering such premises.
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)
(a) 
General residential fence standards.
The following provisions shall be in addition to the general fence standards:
(1) 
Fences constructed in residential zoning districts are allowed in rear and side yards with a fence height not to exceed eight feet.
(2) 
Fences in front yards are prohibited with the following exceptions:
(A) 
Decorative, non-opaque fences that do not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height.
(B) 
Fences in the front yard that preserve the historic nature of a property and have been approved by the Historic Preservation Commission shall be allowed provided they meet all other requirements of this section and do not cause a visual barrier to public right-of-way.
(b) 
Residential to residential adjacency fence standards.
The following standards shall apply to fences installed on property used for or zoned for development as a single-family residential property that is adjacent to property used for or zoned for development as a single-family residential property:
(1) 
A fence or screening device is not required to be installed. If a fence is installed, it shall meet the requirements set forth in this section.
(2) 
Fences, and landscaping hedges are permitted to be used as a screening device within the same residential district with the following requirements:
(A) 
Fences shall not exceed the maximum heights contained in this article.
(B) 
Landscape hedges may be used along rear property lines and along the side yard property line behind the front building line of the primary structure.
(C) 
Landscape hedges shall be a maximum height of three (3) feet between the front building line of the primary structure on the property and the front property line and shall not cause a visual barrier to public right-of-way.
(3) 
All installed fences shall comply with any applicable additional standards set forth in this Article.
(4) 
Any fence abutting a designated open space or common area shall be constructed with non-opaque materials such as wrought iron, tubular steel, split rail, etc. In no case shall wood stockade-type fencing be allowed as a screening device adjacent to a designated open space or common area.
(c) 
Residential adjacency to institutional use standards.
(1) 
A fence or screening device is not required to be installed on property developed or zoned for institutional use abutting property that is developed or zoned for residential use.
(2) 
For the purposes of this section, an "institutional use" shall mean any of the following:
(A) 
Property used solely for a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship;
(B) 
Public or private schools or day care centers;
(C) 
Parks, open space, trails; and
(D) 
Any other use described or defined as a community facility.
(3) 
Fences shall be non-opaque.
(4) 
The owner of the property on which the institutional use is located shall maintain all fences and screening devices located on the property.
(5) 
All installed fences shall comply with any applicable additional standards set forth in this article.
(d) 
Residential abutting public right-of-way.
(1) 
A fence or screening device is not required for residential-zoned properties or residential uses abutting a public right-of-way.
(2) 
If such a fence, screening device or landscape hedge is installed adjacent to a local residential street, it shall conform to the requirements of this section in regards to front yards and/or exterior side yards, as applicable.
(3) 
If the rear of the property abuts a major thoroughfare, or a major or minor arterial street, a landscape buffer shall first be placed adjacent to the right-of-way prior to the installation of the fence.
(4) 
Fences shall not cause a visual barrier to public right-of-way.
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)
(a) 
Nonresidential to residential fence standards.
For this Section, nonresidential districts shall be defined and affect the following uses: commercial, retail, industrial, multifamily residential.
(1) 
A fence or screening device is required for nonresidential property abutting any residential district.
(2) 
Additional requirements for fence or screening devices used to provide screening between nonresidential and residential districts are as follows:
(A) 
Such a required fence is limited to a masonry or reinforced concrete wall of at least six feet in height.
(B) 
Such a required fence shall also meet the requirements and standards set forth by this section.
(C) 
If the screening fence is required to screen a multifamily use from a single-family residential use or any nonresidential use, the fence shall be comprised of masonry only.
(3) 
The owner of the nonresidential used property shall properly maintain all required screening devices in perpetuity. Failure to do so shall constitute a violation of this article.
(b) 
Nonresidential abutting public right-of-way.
(1) 
A fence or screening device is not required for nonresidential-zoned properties or nonresidential uses abutting a public right-of-way, as long as there is no outdoor storage, display, manufacturing or customary operations of the business, except passenger vehicle parking.
(2) 
If such a fence is installed or there is outdoor storage, display, manufacturing or customary operations of the business, it shall either require a masonry wall or wrought iron/ornamental iron placed with masonry columns as stated within this section. In no case shall any other type of screen device or fencing be allowed adjacent to public rights-of-way (e.g., chain-link fencing is prohibited in such cases). Any vegetative screening such as hedges, berm or other natural barrier shall require approval from the Planning Director and/or the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or City Council.
(A) 
In addition, a twenty (20) foot landscape buffer shall first be placed adjacent to the right-of-way prior to the installation of the required fence.
(B) 
Said buffer shall be landscaped with street trees placed every thirty (30) feet spaced on center with minimum five gallon shrubs in between providing an overall coverage of seventy-five (75) percent, and be in conformance and compatibility with the Landscape provisions and the Screening and Buffering provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
(C) 
The owner of the nonresidential-zoned property or nonresidential use shall properly maintain all screening devices in perpetuity. Failure to do so shall constitute a violation of this article.
(c) 
Off-street loading/dumpster screening.
(1) 
Off-street loading areas shall be adequately screened from view of any residentially zoned property or public street.
(2) 
Outside storage areas shall be located in the rear yard away from any public visibility.
(3) 
Outside storage of trash/recycling receptacle or any garbage, refuse and trash/recycling collection shall be placed at the rear or sides of the building and meet the following conditions:
(A) 
Trash and dumpster area that meets or exceeds the masonry coverage of the principal building and matches the exterior materials of the facade of the building.
(B) 
Screening wall or fence shall be at least six feet in height.
(C) 
Such structure shall have an opaque door that shall remain closed at all times.
(4) 
Exceptions:
(A) 
A periodic market held in an open area, such as farmers' or flea markets are not subject to the outdoor storage regulations.
(B) 
Construction activities.
(C) 
Outdoor Christmas tree sales (one week before Thanksgiving through December 31 of that same year).
(d) 
Salvage and junk yards.
All wrecking yards and salvage yards with open storage of wrecked or salvaged automobiles, machinery, appliances, or other used commodities and equipment shall be screened as follows:
(1) 
A solid, opaque screening fence or wall shall surround such open storage areas. The fence or wall shall have a minimum and maximum height of eight feet and twelve (12) feet, respectively. Fence or wall materials must comply with this section.
(2) 
In no instance will material be allowed to be stacked to a height that exceeds the height of the fence.
(e) 
Other requirements.
(1) 
Nonresidential fences shall also meet any other requirements found in this article, if applicable.
(2) 
Fences, screening devices and barriers found in existence at the time of the adoption of this article shall be exempt from the General Fence Design standards but shall conform to any maintenance requirements. Any replacement, expansion or structural addition of any kind to these structures or fences shall conform to the provisions of this article[??].
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)
(a) 
Wood fence material standards.
(1) 
Installation of a wood fence, whether horizontal or vertical, shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and industry standards.
(2) 
Fences constructed adjacent to a public street, right-of-way, open space, trail or other designated public area shall have the exposed posts and rails oriented towards the inside of the property and away from public view.
(3) 
All materials shall be securely fastened to ensure a continual, attractive appearance and safe conditions, free from rot, rust, other sources of decay and vandalism.
(b) 
Masonry fence material standards.
(1) 
Masonry walls, fences and screening devices shall be consisted of:
(A) 
Brick;
(B) 
Stone;
(C) 
Decorative split-face block; or
(D) 
A reinforced concrete wall provided such wall has a finished appearance similar to separately laid masonry materials.
(2) 
Masonry columns shall be spaced a maximum of thirty-two (32) feet apart on-center; the capstone of columns shall not exceed nine feet in height; columns shall extend at least eight inches above the remainder of the screening wall; and columns shall extend horizontally at least three inches from the vertical plane of the wall.
(3) 
Masonry walls over four feet and their foundations shall be engineered and have the certification or seal of a professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of Texas.
(4) 
There shall be no separation between the masonry wall and the ground (i.e., concrete footing), and the wall shall include openings for drainage (i.e., weep holes).
(c) 
Wrought iron fence material standards.
(1) 
Shrubs or other vegetation may be used to provide screening along side and rear property lines.
(2) 
Unless masonry columns are used, all posts for a wrought iron, architectural steel, ornamental iron, tubular steel or other decorative-type metal fence shall be of the same or similar material type and color as the fence panels and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and industry standards.
(d) 
PVC fence material standards.
PVC or vinyl composite fences shall be subject to the following:
(1) 
All fence panels shall be white, gray, tan or similar neutral or earth-tone color;
(2) 
Unless masonry columns are used, all posts shall be the same material, type and color as the fence panels in order to provide for a uniform appearance;
(3) 
Installation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and industry standards; and
(4) 
This type of fence is subject to denial or additional requirements from the Building Official on a case-by-case basis to ensure the strength and/or longevity of the fence.
(e) 
Chain-link fence material standards.
(1) 
Chain-link fences may be installed if another type of fence is not otherwise required for screening purposes.
(2) 
Notwithstanding the previous subsection, a chain-link fence or other type of wire material used as a fence is not permitted to be installed adjacent to any nonresidential use abutting a public thoroughfare that has a right-of-way width of greater than eighty (80) feet, exluding parks, schools, churches, and other places of worship, sports and play areas, and athletic and sports facilities that are part of a park, school or church or other place of worship.
(3) 
If a chain-link fence is permitted by right within a residentially zoned area, such fencing shall require a top and bottom rail.
(4) 
Installation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and industry standards.
(5) 
All materials shall be securely fastened using galvanized bands, bolts, tension bars, etc. to ensure a continual, attractive appearance and safe conditions.
(f) 
Barbed wire.
The use of barbed wire as a fence material is prohibited except in the following circumstances:
(1) 
Barbed wire may be used on undeveloped parcels with an area of greater than three acres; and
(2) 
Barbed wire may be used as fencing necessary for containing livestock actually located and kept on property where agricultural uses are permitted.
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)
(a) 
If a Homeowners' Association (HOA) exists, the HOA shall be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the fencing or screening device and the parkway and/or right-of-way between said devices and the curb or street pavement that constitute common areas of the subdivision, over which the HOA has jurisdiction.
(b) 
If no HOA exists, then the individual owner of the property on which the fence is located shall be responsible for the maintenance or upkeep of the fencing or screening device and the parkway and/or right-of-way between said devices and the curb or street pavement.
(c) 
The City shall have the right to levy an assessment for the expense of needed repairs or maintenance should homeowners or the HOA fail to maintain said fencing or screening device and the parkway and/or right-of-way between said devices and the curb or street pavement.
(d) 
All portions of fences, required or optional, shall be maintained by the HOA (if one exists) or the owner of the property so that fence or screening devices are structurally sound and in a state of good repair, with all materials and fasteners free from deterioration, termite infestation, rot, rust or loosening, and in a condition in which they do not pose a health or safety risk. Fences shall not be more than ten (10) degrees out of vertical alignment as measured from the base. All broken, damaged, removed or missing parts of a fence shall be replaced by the owner within seven days of receiving notice from Code Enforcement.
(e) 
At all street intersections, a clear vision must be maintained across the lot for a distance of 25 feet back from the property corner along the right-of-way line of both streets.
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)
Structures and fences in existence at the time of the adoption of this article shall be exempt from the general fence standards and requirements except where it affects visibility and safety issues on public right-of-way. All fences, whether in existence before or after the adoption of this article shall conform to the maintenance requirements set forth in this article. Any replacement, expansion or structural addition of any kind to these structures or fences shall conform to the provisions of this article.
(Ordinance O2025-07-12 adopted 7/1/2025)