Tarrytown Fences, Decks & Pergolas
Ornamental iron, cedar, decks and pergolas for homes in Tarrytown and West Austin, designed around your trees and the City of Austin fence rules.
or call (512) 337-3714 · Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
A Fence and Deck Builder That Knows Tarrytown
Tarrytown is one of West Austin’s established neighborhoods, with mature live oaks and pecans, deep lots, and a mix of original cottages, renovated homes and new builds. Fences and outdoor projects here have to work around big trees and older landscaping, and they have to meet the City of Austin fence code, including the safe-fencing rules the city adopted in 2023.
Sagamore Fence & Deck has built fences and decks in Austin since 2007. We design ornamental iron and cedar fences, gates, decks and pergolas that suit the house, check your lot against the city rules and any deed restrictions before we design, and prepare the paperwork when a permit or review is needed. About 90% of our fences are built within two days.
Reviewed by Tony Perez, owner of Sagamore Fence & Deck.
Our process
How We Plan a Fence or Deck in Tarrytown
PLAN
We walk your property, measure, and note large trees, slopes and corner-lot sight lines. Then we talk through style: ornamental iron, cedar, or a mix of the two.
CHECK
We check the City of Austin rules for your lot, including floodplain status, tree sizes and the safe-fencing standards, along with any historic designation or deed restrictions.
PERMIT
Many fences don’t need a City of Austin permit, but some projects do. When a permit, tree review or historic review is needed, we prepare the drawings and paperwork with you.
BUILD
We build to the approved design, with post and footing locations planned around tree roots, and leave your yard clean.
City of Austin Fence Rules at a Glance
The City of Austin’s fence regulations apply to every fence, whether or not it needs a permit. In short:
- When a permit is required. A fence needs a City of Austin permit if it’s in a floodplain, more than 7 feet high at any point, or more than 6 feet high along a public street (other than an alley). A residential fence over 6 feet along the street also needs a city letter of authorization, which requires a Board of Adjustment variance.
- Height on property lines. A solid fence on a property line can be up to 6 feet high from natural grade, or up to 7 feet where the grade changes by at least 1 foot. Open ornamental fences, which are no more than 20% solid, aren’t held to the solid-fence height limits.
- Safe fencing. Fences built since July 31, 2023 can’t have spiked pickets or spiked decorative elements above the top rail, or pickets above the top rail spaced more than 2 and less than 9 inches apart. Replacing more than half of an existing fence brings the whole fence under these rules. A flat-top iron fence is a simple way to comply.
- Trees. Trees 19 inches or more in diameter can require a city tree review, and a permit plot plan has to show them. Heritage trees, such as large oaks and pecans, have even stronger protection.
- Corner lots. A solid fence on a corner lot needs approval from Austin Transportation and Public Works, so it doesn’t block drivers’ views.
- Pools and utilities. A pool barrier has to meet Austin’s Swimming Pool and Spa Code and the safe-fencing rules, and a fence can’t block utility meters or wastewater cleanouts.
The city doesn’t regulate fence materials on private property except in the wildland-urban interface, which has its own construction guide. So the choice between iron, cedar or a mix comes down to your home, your goals and any deed restrictions.
Ornamental Iron and Cedar for Tarrytown Homes
Ornamental iron suits older homes and big front lawns. It frames the yard without hiding the house or the trees, and an open, flat-top ornamental iron fence meets Austin’s safe-fencing rules. We build iron along front walks and side yards, on limestone walls and between stone columns, with matching walk and driveway gates and pool fences.
For backyard privacy, we build cedar fences and other privacy fencing in classic and modern styles, including cedar boards set in a black steel frame. Many West Austin projects use both: iron in front and cedar privacy in back, joined so the lines look planned. We also offer fence staining and sealing to keep cedar looking its best.
Use Our Instant Quote Tool to Get a Project Estimate Today
Decks and Pergolas Built Around Mature Trees
Shade, privacy and a place to sit outside are what most Tarrytown backyard projects are about. We build:
- Decks. Trex composite decks and wood decks, from a low deck off the back door to multi-level decks on sloped yards. Around big trees, we plan the layout and footings to stay clear of the trunk and major roots.
- Pergolas. Attached and freestanding pergolas, sized to add shade where the tree canopy doesn’t reach.
- Railings. Deck, porch and step railings, including ADA-compliant handrails.
- Masonry. Stone columns, seat walls and patios that pair with an iron fence.
Many decks and pergolas in Austin need a residential building permit, and work near protected trees may need a tree review. We confirm what your project needs before we start.
Historic Landmarks and Deed Restrictions
Historic landmarks. Some Tarrytown homes are individually designated City of Austin historic landmarks. At a landmark, a new fence, deck or other exterior change needs historic review. Historic Preservation staff can approve some minor projects, such as a fence, deck or pool, when they meet the design standards; others go to the Historic Landmark Commission. A fence at a historic property has to meet the safe-fencing rules first, then follow the historic design standards as closely as it can. We check the city’s historic property records for your address and prepare the drawings for the review.
Deed restrictions. Many older Austin subdivisions have recorded deed restrictions, and they vary from one subdivision to the next. The City of Austin doesn’t enforce them, but neighbors or an owners association can, and the city’s permit application asks owners to acknowledge any restrictions on the property. Tarrytown Terrace, for example, has a property owners association that enforces its recorded restrictions. If you have your deed restrictions or title documents, share them with us and we’ll design to them.
Pemberton Heights and Old Enfield
Just east of MoPac, we also build fences, gates, decks and pergolas in Pemberton Heights and Old Enfield. Both neighborhoods are part of the Old West Austin Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 along with Bryker Woods. The district is roughly bounded by West 13th Street, Lamar Boulevard, West 35th Street and MoPac, so Tarrytown, on the west side of MoPac, is outside it.
Homes here were built mostly from the 1920s through the 1950s, with period revival houses, bungalows and cottages on lots with mature trees. Ornamental iron, iron on stone walls and well-built cedar fit the setting. The same City of Austin rules apply, from the permit thresholds and safe-fencing standards to tree review, and individually designated landmarks need historic review, so we check every address before we design.
Tarrytown Fence & Deck FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Tarrytown?
Often not. In Austin, a fence needs a city permit if it’s in a floodplain, more than 7 feet high at any point, or more than 6 feet high along a public street. Every fence still has to meet the city’s fence code, including the safe-fencing rules. We check your lot and prepare the paperwork when a permit is needed.
What are Austin’s safe-fencing rules?
Since July 31, 2023, new fences in Austin can’t have spiked pickets or spikes above the top rail, or pickets above the top rail spaced more than 2 and less than 9 inches apart, and razor wire isn’t allowed. Replacing more than half of an existing fence brings the whole fence under the rules. Flat-top ornamental iron meets them.
Can you build a fence near my big oak trees?
Yes. Trees 19 inches or more in diameter can require a City of Austin tree review, and heritage trees have even stronger protection. We note large trees at the consultation, plan post locations to stay clear of trunks and major roots, and show the trees on the plot plan when a permit is needed.
My home is a historic landmark. Can I add a fence or deck?
Usually, with approval. Exterior changes at a City of Austin historic landmark need historic review. Historic Preservation staff can approve some minor projects, such as a fence or deck, while others go to the Historic Landmark Commission. We prepare the drawings and help you through the review.
Do deed restrictions apply to fences in Tarrytown?
They can. Many older Austin subdivisions have recorded deed restrictions, and they vary by subdivision. The city doesn’t enforce them, but neighbors or an owners association can. Share your deed restrictions with us and we’ll design to them.
What fence styles work best for Tarrytown homes?
Ornamental iron is a favorite for front yards and older homes because it keeps the house and trees in view, and flat-top iron meets Austin’s safe-fencing rules. Cedar is the go-to for backyard privacy. Many homeowners pair the two, and we add matching gates, decks and pergolas.
How long does a fence or deck take?
About 90% of our fences are built within two days. Decks take about 1–2 weeks depending on size. A permit, tree review or historic review can add time before we start.
Planning a Fence or Deck in Tarrytown?
Tell us about your project and we’ll design it around your home, your trees and the City of Austin rules. Call (512) 337-3714, or visit us at 6550 FM 1105, Georgetown, TX 78626.
