Navigating Fencing Regulations in Kaufman County
As one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, Kaufman County has seen a rapid shift in how building permits are handled. Whether you are in the heart of Forney, the historic streets of Terrell, or a new development in Crandall, securing a permit is the essential first step to ensuring your fence is legal and stays standing.
Below is a directory of the official permit offices and fencing ordinances for major municipalities in Kaufman County. These links connect directly to the official city departments and application portals.
Important: Texas law requires you to call 811 (Texas 811) to have underground utilities marked at least 48 hours before you dig. In Kaufman County’s heavy clay, hitting a shallow utility line is a common and expensive mistake for DIYers.
City of Forney
- Permit Required: Yes, for all new construction and replacement.
- Key Rule: Forney has strict requirements regarding the “finished side” of the fence facing the street. Pickets must face outward toward public rights-of-way.
- Official Resources:
City of Terrell
- Permit Required: Yes.
- Key Rule: Residential fences are limited to 7′ in height. Fences on corner lots must maintain a visibility triangle (typically 25′ from the intersection).
- Official Resources:
City of Kaufman
- Permit Required: Yes.
- Key Rule: Kaufman utilizes a digital submittal process for all residential building permits.
- Official Resources:
City of Crandall
- Permit Required: Yes.
- Key Rule: A site plan showing the location of the fence in relation to property lines and existing structures must be submitted with the application.
- Official Resources:
City of Kemp
- Permit Required: Yes.
- Key Rule: All fence construction must comply with the city’s zoning ordinances regarding height and material types.
- Official Resources:
Special Engineering for Kaufman County “Blackland” Clay
If you are building in Kaufman County, you aren’t just fighting the law—you’re fighting the soil. The heavy clay in this region expands and contracts violently with moisture changes.
To pass inspection and ensure durability, we recommend:
- 2-3/8″ Galvanized Steel Posts: We strongly advise against wood 4x4s in this soil; they will snap as the clay shifts.
- Increased Post Depth: While some cities only require 24″, we recommend a 30″–36″ depth for 8-foot privacy fences to combat the high wind loads found on the open Kaufman County plains.
- Gravel Footing: Placing a 2-inch layer of gravel at the bottom of the hole before pouring concrete allows for drainage and prevents post-base corrosion.
Unincorporated Kaufman County (Outside City Limits)
If your property is located in the unincorporated areas of Kaufman County (not inside the limits of Forney, Terrell, etc.), the county itself typically does not require a residential fence permit.
However, you are still responsible for:
- Utility Easements: You cannot block access to utility companies.
- Sight Lines: You cannot build a fence that obstructs traffic visibility at intersections.
- HOA Rules: If you are in a development like Heartland or Windmill Farms, your HOA requirements apply even if you are in an unincorporated area.
Ready to Order Your Materials?
Once you have your permit in hand, Fence Supply Inc. is ready to deliver professional-grade materials directly to your site. We understand the specific codes and soil challenges of Kaufman County.
