Clermont is stricter than most Central Florida cities about fence permits: the city requires a permit not only for a new fence, but also for fence repair and replacement. The height limits are simple, 6 feet behind the building line and 4 feet in front of it, but the permit itself has a few steps worth knowing before you start. This guide covers what the city says, in plain language, with the official sources at the end. This is general information, not legal advice.
Yes, a permit is required — even for repairs
The City of Clermont's own frequently asked questions page answers the question directly: yes, the city requires permits for fences as well as repair and replacement. That surprises homeowners who are used to Orlando, where a short fence on a one- or two-family property often needs no permit at all. In Clermont, plan on applying for any fence work, including replacing an existing fence. The city's permit list also names fences, including repairs and replacements, among the common residential permits, and says almost all work needs a permit. If you are unsure, call Building Services at 352-241-7315 before you start.
Height limits in the City of Clermont
The city states the height rule in two places, and both say the same thing: fences cannot exceed 6 feet behind the building line and cannot exceed 4 feet in front of the building line.
| Where the fence goes | Maximum height |
|---|---|
| Behind the building line (side and rear yards) | 6 feet |
| In front of the building line (front yard) | 4 feet |
| Within 25 feet of intersecting street corners | 3 feet |
The 3-foot limit near street corners comes from the city's fence ordinance, which says no wall or fence may be more than 3 feet high within the area formed by the property lines of intersecting streets for a distance of 25 feet from their intersection. That is the visibility rule: drivers need to see around the corner. The ordinance also says the building official will deny a permit for a fence that would be a visibility obstruction, impede fire or police protection, or seriously inhibit the free flow of air and light.
What the permit costs
The city's frequently asked questions page says the average cost for a fence under 300 linear feet is around $89. Treat that as the city's own guide figure, not a quote: confirm the current fee with Building Services when you apply, and check the city's building services fee schedule for the exact amount. Fees can change, and the fee for a longer or more complex fence may be different.
What to submit with your application
A site plan or survey showing the exact location of the fence relative to property lines is the document the city wants most. Bring a site plan showing property lines, setbacks and easements: a missing or incomplete site plan is the most common reason permits get held up. The city's permit types list includes a fence permit type, and the building permit application asks for the project details. Measure the yard before you apply: our guide on how to measure for a fence shows how to record footage, gates and corners so the numbers on your application match the material you order. Also mark your utilities: call 811 before any digging, so underground lines are located first.
How to apply
- Zoning first, then the building permit: inside the city limits, improvements need zoning approval first, to confirm the project meets the city's Land Development Code, then a building permit.
- Online: the city uses its eTRAKiT portal for permits and inspections.
- By phone: Building Services at 352-241-7315, or inspection questions at inspection@clermontfl.org.
- In person: Building Services at Clermont City Hall, 685 W. Montrose St., Clermont, FL 34711.
- Homeowners: you can pull a permit as the homeowner as long as you own and occupy the residence. You will sign an owner-builder affidavit. The city warns that unlicensed contractors asking you to pull your own permit can be a red flag.
Plans are reviewed against the Florida Building Code and the city's rules on zoning, drainage and floodplains. Once the permit is approved, keep it active: the city says you must have one approved inspection every six months to keep the permit active.
Are you inside the city limits?
A Clermont mailing address does not always mean the property is inside the city. The city says to check on the Lake County Property Appraiser website: search your address, open the property record, and look under the millage group and city. If the property is in unincorporated Lake County, Lake County handles the permit instead. Check this before you apply, so you file in the right office.
Easements and rights-of-way
The city's fence ordinance says no person may enclose or fence a utility easement unless adequate access is provided for building, repairing and maintaining the utilities there, in a way that means no fence has to be cut and no wall removed. No dedicated right-of-way may be fenced. If your survey shows an easement along the back or side of your lot, plan the fence line around it and talk to the city before you build.
Your HOA still has a say
Even with a city permit, a homeowners association can require its own approval and can set stricter rules on height, material and style. In Clermont, many neighborhoods have HOA rules that specify approved fencing materials and styles, and in most cases you must get written HOA architectural approval before you submit the building permit application to the city. Ask for your HOA's rules first, and get the approval in writing. Our HOA fence rules guide explains how that approval usually works.
Then order the material
Once you know the height, the style and the footage, send us the numbers and the gate openings. We prepare your quote the same business day. We sell material only, so your contractor handles the permit and the installation. See our vinyl fence, aluminum fence and gates pages, or request a quote.
