Thinking about installing a new fence? You may be wondering if you need a permit or HOA approval. Good news—Best Fence takes care of the paperwork for you. Here’s what to know:
Do I Need a Permit for a Fence?
In most cases across Houston, Katy, and Sugar Land, permits aren’t required unless:
- The fence is over 8 feet tall
- It’s made of concrete, masonry, or includes retaining walls
- You’re building near public property or a flood zone
If a permit is needed, we’ll pull it on your behalf. If you are in the City of West University or Bellaire, you will need a permit. But don’t worry, we are registered as contractors with the City of West University or Bellaire and can handle the permit for you. The only thing we will need from you, is a copy of your survey to submit with our paperwork.
Fence Height Limits
While we would love to say that there is a one size fits all, it varies by neighborhood and by HOA. Here is a general guide, but we suggest checking your individual HOA for confirmation and approval:
- Front yard: up to 6’6” – 8’ tall
- Back/side yard: up to 6–8 ft (over 8 ft may require a permit)
- Corner lots: May require a “visibility triangle” (lower fences near intersections)
We’ll inspect your layout and recommend a code-compliant solution.
HOA Approvals? We’ve Got It Covered
Many neighborhoods in Sugar Land, Memorial, Bellaire, and West U require HOA approval before installing a fence. While most HOAs won’t speak to us directly, we can:
- Provide drawings and specs that you will need to submit to your HOA
- Guide you through submitting requests
- Coordinate with property managers if needed
Looking for your HOA regulations? We work with a ton of HOA’s throughout Houston so if you don’t see your HOA on this list, email us and we can likely email over the specifications that are right for you!
Sugar Land Area:
First Colony Community Association
New Territory Residential Community Association
Greatwood Community Association
Riverstone Homeowners Association
Telfair Community Association
Katy Area:
Cinco Ranch
Cane Island
Cross Creek Ranch
Elyson
Firethorne
Grayson Lakes
Sunterra
Tamarron
Richmond Area:
Aliana
Pecan Grove Plantation
Long Meadow Farms
Harvest Green
Lakes of Bella Terra
Lakes of Bella Terra West
Veranda
Memorial Villages: While there is no HOA for Memorial Villages, there are a set of city ordinances and deed restrictions for each.
Bunker Hill Village
Hunters Creek Village
Piney Point Village
Hedwig Village
Spring Valley Village
Hilshire Village
City of Bellaire: Similar to the Memorial Villages, Bellaire does not have a single, overarching HOA. Its character and property standards are primarily maintained through city zoning ordinances and legally binding deed restrictions tied to specific subdivisions (many of which date back decades). City of Bellaire Building & Permitting
City of West University Place (West U): Like Bellaire and the Memorial Villages, West U does NOT have a single master HOA. The character and building standards of West U are enforced through its municipal ordinances, comprehensive zoning, and strict deed restrictions that apply to various sections of the city. City of West University Place Building & Permitting
Best Fence offers residential and commercial fencing services for the following areas:
Sugar Land | Rosenberg | Bellaire | Sienna Plantation | Cinco Ranch | Richmond | Katy | Missouri City | Stafford | Spring Branch | West University | Meyerland | Houston Heights | Houston
