Permit Required? Required (over 6 ft)
Typical Fee Range $105–$250 Based on a minimum permit fee of $105.00 plus a 5% technology fee and potential zoning review fees.
Fee Method Project-based
Apply Online Apply at City of Dallas Development Services Department →

What's Required in Dallas

  • Permit required for any fence exceeding 6 feet in height
  • Front yard fences limited to 4 feet (measured from grade) unless a setback exception is granted
  • Site plan required showing property lines, existing structures, and proposed fence location
  • Owner-builders must provide a Homestead Exemption to pull their own permit
  • Fences cannot obstruct sight triangles at street or driveway intersections
  • Final inspection required upon completion to verify height and location

How Tall Can a Fence Be Without a Permit in Dallas?

In Dallas, the number that matters is 6 feet: a fence taller than that needs a permit from the City of Dallas Development Services Department, while anything at or under it can usually go up without one. Front yards are stricter, capped at 4 feet. Even a permit-free fence still has to respect setbacks and corner sight-line rules, so check placement before you dig post holes.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Dallas?

For a typical backyard fence at or under 6 feet, no — you can skip the building permit in Dallas. Go taller and you'll file with the City of Dallas Development Services Department, with permit fees typically in the $105–$250 range. Two cautions before you skip the paperwork: zoning rules (height caps, setbacks, corner visibility) apply to every fence, permitted or not, and HOA or deed rules stack on top of city code. When your plan sits close to the line, a quick call to the department beats rebuilding a fence later.

How to Get a Fence Permit in Dallas

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Step 1: Preparation

Draw a site plan (to scale) showing the proposed fence line and its height relative to the property lines.

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Step 2: Account Creation

Register for an account on the Dallas eServices portal.

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Step 3: Submit Application

Upload the 'Residential Fence Permit' application and site plan via the portal.

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Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay the minimum fee of $105 plus the 5% technology fee through the online portal.

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Step 5: Inspection

Once construction is complete, schedule a 'Final Fence' inspection through the automated IVR system or portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if the fence is over 6 feet tall. Fences 6 feet or shorter generally do not require a building permit but must still comply with zoning height and location rules.
The minimum fee is $105, plus a 5% technology fee, bringing the base total to approximately $110.25.
Minor repair permits, including fences, are typically reviewed within 3–5 business days via the eServices portal.
On record in Dallas, fences over 6 feet need a permit; at or under 6 feet you generally don't need one, though zoning height caps and setbacks still apply.