Pampa, the Gray County seat northeast of Amarillo, sets its own fence rules. They are fairly simple: most fences need no permit, but there are height limits for front and rear yards and a sight-line rule on corner lots. Here is a plain-English summary with links to the city's own documents.
Do you need a permit?
Usually not. The City of Pampa's Construction and Permit Manual says fences that are not over 8 feet tall and are not retaining walls are exempt from a building permit, and the city's Code Enforcement FAQ answers "Do I need a permit to install a fence?" with "No, you do not." A fence over 8 feet, or one that also holds back soil (a retaining wall), is a different matter, so ask the city before you build either.
That is close to Amarillo's approach (see Amarillo fence permits) and looser than Dumas, where building or replacing a fence needs a permit (see Dumas fence rules).
How tall can the fence be?
- Front yard: 4 feet maximum. The permit manual describes this as the area from the front of the house to the front property line.
- Rear yard: 8 feet maximum, from the front of the house back to the rear property line.
Section 13 of Pampa's zoning ordinance states the same limits in code terms: a fence on the property line behind the minimum required front yard line may not exceed 8 feet above the adjacent grade, and one between the front property line and that line, or within the required front yard, may not exceed 4 feet.
Corner lots and intersections
The same section says no fence, screen wall or other visual barrier may block the view of a driver approaching a street, alley or drive intersection. At street intersections, clear vision has to be kept across the lot for 15 feet back from the property corner along both streets. The city's FAQ also mentions special conditions for corner lots, so if your lot is on a corner, confirm the layout with the city before setting posts.
Stay out of the right-of-way
The permit manual's FAQ says a fence cannot be in any right of way. Your property line is often not at the curb or the edge of the pavement, so check your plat or survey before you mark the fence line.
Before you build
- Call City of Pampa Code Enforcement at (806) 669-5740 (the number in the city's FAQ) to confirm the rules for your lot.
- Call 811 before setting posts; Texas law requires it before digging.
- Check HOA covenants or deed restrictions, which can be stricter than the city.
- If the fence runs along a neighbor's line, settle it with them first. See who pays for a fence between neighbors.
- If your property is outside Pampa city limits, the city's rules may not apply, so ask Gray County what does.
What to ask a fence company
Ask how they will keep a front-yard fence at or under 4 feet, how they handle a corner lot's sight triangle, who places the 811 request, and what posts and spacing they use for Panhandle wind (see building a fence that stands up to the wind). Our hiring checklist covers the rest. Building elsewhere nearby? See Canyon, Hereford or Dumas.
Where we fit in
This site is a free referral service, not a fence company. Requests from Pampa are welcome: if you send a request, we pass it to one independent local fence contractor, who confirms they serve your address, looks at the property and quotes you directly.
General information only, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change, so confirm with the agency linked below or a licensed professional before you start work.
Sources
- City of Pampa Construction and Permit Manual (Fence Regulations, p. 13; permit FAQ)
- City of Pampa Code Enforcement: FAQs
- City of Pampa Zoning Ordinance (Exhibit 14A), § 13 Fence and wall regulations
- Texas811: Homeowner / DIYer
Last reviewed: October 2026.
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