Residents at a District B forum urged the city to restrict sheet-metal perimeter fences in residential neighborhoods, saying the material is not typical fence stock and can hide activity behind the barrier.

“I'm saying that I would like to see that discussion continue because according to the fence ordinance in the City of Houston, it says fences are to be constructed of typical fence material i.e., wood, chain, or metal,” said a resident. David Rockwell, interim division manager for structural inspections with the Houston Permitting Center, and other city staff explained legal and code limits.

Rockwell said a 2021 Senate bill prevents homeowner associations from outright forbidding certain security or perimeter fencing, though associations may regulate fence types. He added that the city's adopted code amendments do not require a permit for a fence made of metal or wood that is less than 8 feet tall. If a fence is masonry or over 8 feet tall, a permit is required and code enforcement can inspect.

Rockwell said the city’s enforcement authority is limited to permitted projects; changes to material rules would require neighborhood-initiated restrictions or policy changes. Residents said some peer cities restrict sheet-metal fencing, and one speaker said they planned to present the topic to the mayor’s office.