← Waco permit guide
Fence Permit Requirements in Waco, TX
Based on City of Waco published sources. Confirm with Inspection Services before you build.
Do you need a permit?
No. The City of Waco does not require a permit to install or repair a fence, but the fence must comply with city ordinances.
What to know
- Front yard fences may not exceed 4 feet, or up to 6 feet if no more than 4 feet is solid and the rest is no more than 50 percent solid.
- Rear and side yard fences may not exceed 6 feet, or up to 8 feet if the fence is next to an alley or the lot is next to commercially zoned or developed property.
- All fences must meet the sight obstruction requirements of the Waco Traffic Code.
- See Sec. 28-929 of the City Code for diagrams and other requirements.
Typical documents
- No permit application needed — keep a sketch of the fence location and height for your records and any HOA approval
Who can apply & how
- Residential permits are issued by the City of Waco Inspection Services division, and plans are submitted as one combined PDF through the city's Citizen Self Service portal.
- Electrical, plumbing and HVAC subcontractors must be licensed and pull their own permits.
- Building code requirements follow the currently adopted International Residential Code and Chapter 6 of Waco's Code of Ordinances; zoning rules are in Chapter 28.
Practical tips
- Call 811 before digging post holes.
- HOAs often have stricter fence rules than the city.
Contact & sources
City of Waco Inspection Services · New Construction (254) 750-5612
Only applies inside Waco city limits. Neighboring cities and unincorporated McLennan County have their own rules.
