Fence Codes and Ordinances for Spring, TX

Spring, Texas is an unincorporated community in northern Harris County. With a population of well over 50,000, it’s a community with a wide range of residential properties and homes. Home improvement projects in this area are governed by the Harris County Engineering department in general. Fences in Harris County do not require building permits, except in recognized flood zones. That means that many homeowners in Spring can just go ahead and build a fence or have a contractor install it for them. However, that’s not the case for all homes in this community. Many homes are part of planned developments and are governed by homeowners’ associations, which have their own rules within their area. Deed covenants and restrictions may specify all rules and codes for such projects. Before planning a new or replacement fence, you’ll need to contract the office of your HOA and find out what rules apply to your specific property.

If your home is not in an HOA governed development, you’re basically on your own when it comes to installing a fence, unless your property is in a flood zone. In that case, you’ll need to contact the Harris County Engineer’s office to get a permit. Still, it’s best to design your project to be in keeping with your neighborhood and with others in mind, as always. Common sense is your best guide, along with talking your ideas over with nearby residents before getting started. Whether you build it yourself or hire an installation company to handle the job, following standard fence construction and materials standards will ensure that your fence is accepted and valued by those around you.

General Requirements for Residential Fences

• Building Permit Required? – Only if your property is in a flood plain is a permit required from Harris County.
• Permit Documentation Needed – If a permit is required, design drawings and a plat of survey may be required when applying for the permit.
• Fence Materials Allowed – All typical fence materials are allowed, unless HOA covenants and restrictions apply.

• Maximum Height Limits – Common-sense height limitations are best. If HOA governs the development, specific height limits may be found in HOA documents.
• Property Line Issues – In all cases, building your fence completely on your property with the finished side facing out is the best practice.
• Inspections Needed – An inspection may be required if a permit is needed.
• Building Authority Contact – 713-755-5370
• Building Department Website

Specific Rules and Restrictions

• Front Yard Fences – May not be allowed by HOA restrictions
• Side Yard Fences – Check HOA documents for covenants and restrictions
• Back Yard Fences – If in an HOA community, check covenants and restrictions
• Corner Lot Restrictions – See HOA documents if applicable.
• Other Restrictions
  • Avoid all materials that may be a safety risk to others, such as barbed wire.
• Homeowners’ Association Issues – Many homes in Spring, TX are located in developments that are governed by a homeowners’ association. Contact your HOA office to inquire about fence rules and regulations that may apply to you.

Planning a Fence Installation in Spring, TX

Homeowners located in communities like Spring don’t have an official city building department to guide them in their fence design and planning. Texas is full of communities that are not incorporated cities. Structures like fences are governed by the County, instead, and have fewer rules than most cities apply. Property owners should use their common sense and follow local norms when planning and building. However, as in Spring, many homes are built by commercial developers and are a part of planned communities that have homeowners’ associations that enforce deed covenants and restrictions that may affect home improvement projects. Even in cities, HOA rules are often much stricter than government regulations. If your home in Spring or elsewhere is part of such a development, planning should start with an examination of your HOA documents. Visiting your HOA office is another way to learn about and understand the rules that apply. Whether you or a professional contractor completes the installation, it will have to meet those requirements to avoid problems.