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Do you need a permit for a fence in Austin?

It depends on the project. Austin exempts some fences from a building permit and requires one for the rest1; the exemption's limit is 7 feet, with the conditions in the city's wording below.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Which permits you need
  2. Limits and conditions in Austin's rule
  3. Zoning rules: separate from the building permit
  4. What to submit
  5. Who can apply
  6. Fence permit fees in Austin
  7. Inspections
  8. Review time
  9. Special areas and extra reviews
  10. Who to ask
  11. Fence permit rules in other cities
  12. Sources

Depends on size or scope

Austin's rule

“A fence requires a permit if it…”1

City of Austin, Austin Development Services, When You Need a Permit

Which permits you need

PermitRequired whenThe city’s wording
Building permitFence located in a floodplain (any height)You need a permit to build a fence within a floodplain regardless of the fence height.1
Building permitFence more than 7 feet high at any pointIs more than 7 feet high at any point.1
Building permitResidential fence more than 6 feet high along City public ROW (not alley)You need a permit to build a fence more than 6 feet high for residential property along the City of Austin public right-of-way (ROW), other than a public alley.1

Limits and conditions in Austin's rule

Each limit sits next to the sentence it comes from; the conditions in that sentence are part of the rule.

RuleValueThe city’s wording
Exempt up to this height7 feet2. Unless located within a flood hazard area, a fence that is not over seven feet (2,133.6 mm) high.2
Exempt up to this height (city exemptions page)7 feetUnless located within a flood hazard area, a fence that is not over 7 feet (2,133.6 mm) high.3
Exempt up to this height (fence permit application)7 feetNO – If your fence is 7 feet or less in height, and is not in a flood hazard area.4

Zoning rules: separate from the building permit

A project can be exempt from one and still need the other (zoning vs building permits).

Zoning ruleValueThe city’s wording
Maximum height in side and rear yards6 feetA solid fence constructed along a property line may not be more than 6 feet high, measured from the natural grade up.1
Side and rear height where the grade changes7 feetIf there is a change in grade of at least 1 foot, measured along any section of a solid fence on a property line, then the portion of the fence where the grade change occurs may be up to 7 feet high.1
Solid fence on or within the building setback lines8 feetA solid fence can be up to 8 feet high if the fence is located on or within the building setback lines.1
Solid fence on certain residential boundary lines8 feetA solid fence may be up to 8 feet high if the fence is located along the line between a property zoned for residential use and any of these conditions apply…1
Ornamental fences exempt from height limits?YesHeight restrictions for other types of fences do not apply to ornamental fences.1
Zoning approval needed even without a building permit?Must comply even without permitAll fences are required to comply with the code requirements within the "What is Regulated" section, even if the fence does not require a permit.1

What to submit

  • Fence Permit Application (PDF)1
  • Plot plan survey labeling climbable structures, hazards, adjoining commercial/industrial properties, trees ≥19 in1
  • Image of drawing of fence design1
  • Adjoining property owner consent letters (if deviating, e.g. over 6 ft)1

Who can apply

  • Registered general contractor (homeowner may register as GC)5
  • Applicant must have AB+C account1

Fence permit fees in Austin

Fee lines as Austin's schedule states them. A minimum or base fee is not the whole price when the line says the fee grows with project value.

FeeTypeAs the schedule states it
Small Projects Plan Review (Garage Conversions and Carport/Porch enclosures, Amnesty CO, Fences, Pools)Plan review$146.156
Additional Small ProjectPlan review$146.156

All of Austin's fee lines are on the Austin permit page.

Inspections

  1. Contractor schedules inspections once permit is Active1 AB+C Portal or phone7

Review time

5 business days8. This is the department's published figure, not a guarantee.

Special areas and extra reviews

  • Corner lot: solid fence needs Transportation and Public Works sight-line approval1
  • WUI: fences over 6 ft may need review/permits1
  • Safe Fencing: replacing >50% triggers compliance of whole fence1
  • Pool barrier fences follow Swimming Pool and Spa Code1

Who to ask

Austin Development Services9

Building permits

Address
Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752
12
Hours
Building hours Mon-Fri 7:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; standard staff service hours Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.12
Inspections
Online via AB+C Portal or by phone (IVR 512-974-9405)7

Fence permit rules in other cities

Rules differ from city to city. Compare Austin with 18 other cities on the national fence permit guide, or go straight to one:

Sources

  1. Fencing Regulations | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Ordinance No. 20250410-040 (2024 International Residential Code and local amendments, City Code Ch. 25-12 Art. 11)City of Austin, City CouncilEffective July 10, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Work Exempt From Building Permits | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  4. Residential Fence Permit ApplicationCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesRevised June 26, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Activating a Permit | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  6. City of Austin Fee Schedule | Residential Building Plan Review & Inspection Permit FeesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Schedule a Building Inspection | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  8. Residential Plan Review | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Contact Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Express Permits | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Homeowner Permitting Resources | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Visit The PDC | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026