Fence Permits Rules, City of Orlando

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April 15, 2019

Ask A Professional, Permitting, Press Releases

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"I saw on Channel 9 News that the City of Orlando is not requiring fence permits anymore.  Is this True and Why?"  - Donna L.

Yes and No.

On Monday, April 8th, the Orlando City Council approved a resolution exempting certain types of fences from the permitting process. But there is a catch.  If your fence project meets all of the following criteria, a fence permit is not required: Remember, all the following conditions must be true:

  • Fence is located on a one or two-family residential property
  • Fence is six (6) feet or less in height (All heights shall be measured from the established normal building site grade)
  • Fence materials are one of the following: wood, plastic/vinyl, chain-link, aluminum, wrought-iron, plant material
  • The fence must comply with Orlando Code Chapter 58 Part 5B(5) Orlando Code Chapter 58 Part 5B(5)

Here Is When a Fence Permit is Still Required:

  • If the fence is located on a commercial property, including three-unit or more residential properties.
  • If the fence is more than six feet in height. (All heights shall be measured from the established normal building site grade.)
  • If the fence materials are one of the following: concrete, masonry, or block, including posts or any reinforcement (concrete/rebar).
  • If the fence is utilized as a required pool/spa barrier.
  • If the fence is located on or near any or all public easements as depicted on a property survey.
  • If the fence includes vehicular gates or powered (electric, solar, etc) gates.
  • If the fence is associated with a demolition permit or the demolition of a structure on the property.
  • If the fence is required as part of Chapter 33 Safeguards During Construction – Florida Building Code.

Why Is It Important to Pay Attention?

As one can see, there is still room for confusion.   What is important, regardless of if you need a permit or not, is that the fence installed on your property must still comply with Orlando Code Chapter 58 Part 5B(5).   Failure to adhere to the fencing regulation defined in Chapter 58 will result in code enforcement actions.  Bottom line, know the dos and don'ts.  Don't just trust that fence contractor/company, individual, or your basic understanding of the code.  Know it.  The City of Orlando can and will make you rip down or move that fence.

 

Know How Your Property Is Zoned.

 

Land Use guide

A common mistake made by the homeowner and fence company alike is not paying attention type of property, the positioning of the home, and the location of the lot itself within the City block.  Understand, how one answers those questions above will determine how high, where, and what type of fence can be installed.  Click the photo above and for a direct explanation from the City of Orlando Permitting and Service Division.

The Cities Of Orlando's Fence Guide.

Get Your Information From The Horses Mouth.

The City of Orlando has put forth maximum focus on helping homeowners get it right. Click on the photo and it will directly take you to the City of Orlando's Fence Guide.

Know The Code

Read Between The Lines.

Remember, the fence code is more of a zoning issue than a building issue.  There is nothing in the Florida Building Code that dictates how a fence is constructed or with what type of the material.   What is important is that you understand the City of Orlando's  Code Chapter 58 Part 5B(5).

A Special Thanks

Custom Fence Orlando and Paramount Fencing would like to personally thank the City of Orlando Permitting Service Division Manager and the Head of Economic Development Department for reaching out prior to presenting the resolution to the City Council. We would also like to thank them for allowing us the opportunity of feedback prior to presenting the resolution to the City Council of Orlando.  We would like to thank Mayor Dyer for allowing Paramount Fencing to speak at the meeting on behalf of the resolutions.

 

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