Fences play an important role in offering security and privacy and defining the property’s boundaries. However, as a resident of Texas, you must abide by specific regulations and laws associated with fence construction and maintenance when installing a fence. Understanding these Texas fence laws is essential. These laws are the cornerstone for every resident and good neighborhood relationships. In this blog, we will be sharing a comprehensive guide to help you better understand the law on fencing in Texas.
Know About Texas Fence Law
Texas Fence Laws
Texas has specific regulations and laws related to fence construction, maintenance, and liability. The Texas property code offers guidelines for fence construction, including specific height, material, and location. This law provides an outline of the duties of property owners related to the maintenance of fences, their repairs, and liability in case of any damages caused to the fences.
Good Neighbor Fence Laws
Texas is a state where property owners are responsible for building and maintaining fences. However, when a fence is constructed on a boundary line between two houses, it is considered a Good Neighbor fence. In this case, the property owners equally divide the cost of constructing and maintaining a fence. Property owners can also construct fences on the property’s boundary line and make their neighbors responsible for maintaining their side of the fence. This can be done only if the neighbor agrees and gives written approval.
Restrictions On Fence Height
Texas fence law restricts the height of fences to eight feet. The height can go up to ten feet in special cases where the fences are located in industrial or commercial areas.
Fencing Materials
Texas fence law does not restrict the materials used for fencing construction. However, Homeowners’ Associations may have certain regulations regarding this. Property owners must discuss this with their respective HOAs before constructing the fences.
Fence Location and Setbacks
Texas fence law does not require property owners to get permits to construct fences. However, property owners should comply with local city or state regulations on the fence location and its setbacks. For instance, a fence cannot be constructed on public property or beyond the line of property. Property owners must abide by the setback requirements for the fence, such as the distance from the sidewalk and street.
Maintenance of Fences
Homeowners are legally responsible for maintaining their fences, including all required repairs and replacements. They should regularly inspect their fences and perform the required maintenance and repairs. If any fence falls into disrepair and damages the neighbor’s property, the homeowner who owns the fence is liable for all the damages.
Legal Implications of Fence Ownership
Fencing has legal implications that property owners must understand. If you own the fence, you are fully responsible for maintaining it, and if it falls into disrepair, you are liable for the damages that are caused. If your neighbor damages your fence, you can recover the charges for the damages caused. Similarly, if your fence falls and damages your neighbor’s property, then you have to pay for the repair and replacement.
Fence Permits in Texas
Texas fence law does not require the property owners to get a permit for fence installation. However, the local city or state ordinances may require a permit for fence construction in certain situations. For instance, a permit is necessary for fencing near US highways. Property owners should ensure that they abide by these local regulations related to fence permits.
Final Words
In this blog, we have discussed the fencing laws in Texas. If you want to install premium-quality fences, contact Duramax, a reputed vinyl fence manufacturer in the United States.
We offer 100% durable virgin vinyl fences with high tensile strength. We offer a transferrable limited lifetime warranty on all our fences. Our fences are available in different colors, styles, and designs. You can customize your fences to match the property’s aesthetics and fulfill your requirements. We ship our fences within two weeks of the order being placed, and we operate all across the country.
Our fences can withstand extreme weather conditions without warping, breaking, or cracking. Duramax fences are resistant to water, UV radiation, and termite infestations. We offer commercial-grade ASTM-quality standard-approved fences. Get in touch with us today. Book a free consultation now.
