Each HOA has different rules and regulations that need to be followed based on Federal, State, County, and local municipality laws, as well as the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) within the HOA. The most common questions we are asked are, “What type of fence can I build on my property?” or “Do I need a permit to build a fence?” Those are great questions and the answer is yes, you need a fence permit if you live in Tahitian Village and you may need other permits depending on where you live. In addition, there are restrictions on the type of fence you can build. In this article we will dive into when you do and do not need a fence permit and what types of fencing you can construct on your property in Tahitian Village in Bastrop, Texas.
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Tahitian Village?
Yes, if you plan to construct a new fence or replace an existing fence, it is required to obtain a permit from the ACC. If you are doing minor repairs, a permit is not needed.
If you live in an area of Tahitian Village that is within the city limits of Bastrop or the ETJ (Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction), you will first need to obtain a permit with the City of Bastrop. Upon approval, you can submit your permit application to the ACC for approval. The ACC Permit Guidelines and the Permit Application for Tahitian Village can be found on the Tahitian Village website. To see if you are required to obtain a permit from the City of Bastrop you can use this interactive map to see if you are in the Bastrop City limits or the ETJ. All City permits must be submitted through MyGov and your fence contractor will need to be a registered vendor with the City of Bastrop in order to pull a permit to build your fence.
Call 811 Before You Dig
Regardless of whether you’re doing a DIY project or hiring someone to install your fence, be sure 811 is called out to mark public utilities such as gas lines, water, sewer, underground fiber optics, and electrical lines. Hitting one of these lines can be costly and cause property damage, injury, or even death. If you hire a contractor, make sure they do not start your project until this has been done. Calling 811 is not a suggestion, it is the law. To learn more about 811 and utility marking, read this article we wrote.
What Types of Fences and Fence Materials are Approved by the ACC?
Approved materials for a fence depend on the location of the property front, back, and side yard and if they are visible from the street.
One of the most common fences in the neighborhood is a wooden privacy fence. All privacy fencing must be installed so that the rough side faces the inside of the property, this means the side with the rails and support posts is located on the inside with the smooth pickets facing the outside.
What Type Of Fence Materials Can You Use If The Fence Faces The Street?
If the fence faces the street, the following materials are approved by the ACC: cedar, redwood, pine, wood framed panel fencing, wrought iron, black or green vinyl coated chain link, brick, and stone are approved materials if the fence can be visibly seen from the road. All other materials will not be approved.
What are the Backyard and Side Fence Requirements?
If the fence is located in the back or side yard, you must use dimensional lumber. Panel fencing must be framed using a top and bottom rail such as cattle panel (bull wire) fences. Any wire fence such as a field fence, chain link etc. must be 11.5 gauge or thicker. Backyard fences shall not extend beyond the front face of each side of the residence, including the neighbor’s property and residence. If the dwelling is situated on a corner lot, both street views will be treated as front faces and must adhere to the setback guidelines. In these situations, the ACC will review these on a case-by-case basis.
Can You Build A Fence In Your Front Yard In Tahitian Village?
Yes, a fence can be constructed in your front yard past the front face of your house; however, there are some specific requirements you must adhere to if you plan to put a fence in your front yard: all front yard fences must be decorative in nature and be non-containing. According to the ACC, the definition of a non-containing fence is one that allows the passage of a pet according to the ACC Guidelines. Approved front yard fences must be decorative in nature and can be constructed of split rail, wrought iron, two rail, or other material approved by the ACC. You can use slats, pickets, or bars as long as they allow for the passage of a pet. There is no requirement to have a gate on a fence in your front yard.
Safe Fences
While Safe Fences are not a requirement in Tahitian Village or the City of Bastrop, it is still something you should be aware of when planning your fence project. There has been some push and movement to change the current regulations at the state level when it comes to ornamental fences with pickets on top to ensure there is a solid top bar for safety reasons. Here at Butler Contracting, we suggest constructing a “Safe Fence” whenever possible to ensure the safety of your family, pets, wildlife, and the community as well as ensuring you are not liable in the event of an accident. You can learn more about Safe Fences in this article we wrote and see if you want to elect to get one installed.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Install a Chain Link Fence in Tahitian Village?
Yes, however, galvanized chain link fences can only be installed if they are not visible from a public road. You can install a black or green vinyl-coated chain link fence if it faces the street, but only in the back or side yard.
What Type of Fence Can You Put Around a Pool in Tahitian Village?
Any fence that meets the ACC Guidelines can be installed around your pool. Take note that even though the ACC Guidelines do not mention the State requirements of fences around pools in their guidelines, it is still your responsibility to make sure that you are compliant with Texas state laws for pool fences. There are specific types of fences, gate styles as well as latch and hinge requirements. Learn more about your rights living in an HOA and some of the recent changes in the Texas Legislative Code and Senate Bill 1588.
Can I Build an 8-foot Tall Fence In Tahitian Village?
No, the ACC restricts fence heights to a maximum of 6 feet tall.
If I Live Along the Golf Course Can I Put Netting Up on My Fence?
No, netting can not be installed if you live adjoining the golf course. You may construct a fence as a barrier, but the fence must adhere to the ACC guidelines. Nothing is allowed to be constructed beyond the 6-foot-high fence line.
Can You Install a Security Fence While I Build My House?
Yes, security fencing is allowed and a permit from the ACC is required for all temporary security fencing during construction. “Temporary fencing” is defined as fencing that is in place for no more than 90 days from the time of its placement.
What Type of Fences and Materials are Prohibited in Tahitian Village?
Fences with t-posts, corrugated sheet metal, trellis, slab wood, tin, chicken wire, wire smaller than 11.5 gauge, rough cedar posts, PVC pipes, steel or galvanized pipes, tarps, and plastic sheeting are all prohibited fence material and will not be approved. Fences over 8 feet tall and any netting or materials attached to the fence that would make the fence structure exceed the 6-foot tall restriction are also not permitted.
Can I Install a Wrought Iron Gate With my Privacy Fence?
No, gates must be constructed with the same materials and must be the same style as the fence it is attached to. All gates must attach to the fence from both sides. Gates cannot attach to a stand-alone structure or be free-standing.
Can You Build a Dog Run in Tahitian Village?
Yes, dog runs can be constructed as long as they are behind the front face of the house and not visible from the road. They still require a permit from the ACC and galvanized chain link is an approved fence material if you choose that route. However, there are no permit requirements for a portable dog run.
What If I Share a Fence With My Neighbor, Can I Attach to Their Fence?
Yes, you can attach your fence to your neighbor’s fence if you have a shared fence line. However, you will need to get the PROPERTY OWNER AGREEMENT/WAIVER FOR FENCING signed by each neighbor you share a fence line with. This document can be found in the ACC Guidelines.
How Do You Get Started Building Your Fence?
If you are doing a DIY project, you should have what you need to get started with the information provided in this article. Otherwise, let Butler Contracting, the fence professionals handle the rules, regulations, permitting, and construction of your fence.
Get the easy process started today by submitting your project request on our website or by calling our office at 844-628-8537.
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