Safe Fencing Regulations Engagement
Safe Fencing Regulations Engagement
Austin City Council approved proposed changes to fencing regulations that will improve safety for children and wildlife. The approved ordinance is available here. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Background:
The Austin City Council passed Resolution No. 20211104-039 in November 2021. This Resolution initiated amendments to the City's Technical Codes to address dangerous fence design, with a specific focus on spiked pickets, spiked bars and other spiked decorative elements that protrude above the top horizontal bar of a fence.
In May 2022, and January 2023 DSD hosted a series of public engagements to gather community feedback on possible Code requirements. The feedback received was used to inform the proposed recommendations.
Thank you!
We welcome your feedback and interest in the proposed changes. Please contact DSDCommunications@austintexas.gov if we can provide any additional information.
Safe Fencing Regulations: January 18, 2023 Virtual Engagement
Thank you for your interest in Safe Fencing Regulations. Please follow the instructions below to attend the virtual session on January 18. Event DetailsDateJanuary 18, 2023Time10...
Safe Fencing Regulations: January 19, 2023 In-Person Engagement
Thank you for your interest in Safe Fencing Regulations. Please follow the instructions below to attend the in-person session on January 19. Event DetailsDateJanuary 19, 2023Time6...
Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
This proposal would prohibit the construction of several types of fences in Austin. The proposal includes prohibition of the following features in all new fences six feet in height or less:
- Spiked pickets, spiked bars or other spiked decorative elements above the top horizontal backer rail
- Vertical picket spacing between 2 – 9 inches above the top horizonal backer rail
- Fences that create a substantial risk of entrapment or impalement as determined by the City also prohibited
This proposal would exempt the several types of fences in Austin from being regulated by the proposed ordinance. Several examples of exempt fences are:
- Repair/ replacement of existing fences where less than a 100% is being repaired or replaced
- Fences over six feet in height
- Fences classified as historic by the Historic Landmark Commission