Before you order fence material, check three things: the height limit, whether you need a permit, and your HOA. This guide covers the City of Orlando and Orange County. Other cities, such as Winter Park, Kissimmee or Apopka, have their own rules, so check yours. This is general information, not legal advice.
Height limits in the City of Orlando
- Front yards: 4 ft maximum.
- Side, street-side and rear yards: 6 ft maximum.
- Street-side yards that abut a neighbor's front yard: 4 ft maximum.
- Side and rear fences next to commercial or industrial property: 8 ft maximum.
- Heights are measured from the established normal building site grade.
Where the fence can go
- On or inside your property line.
- Never in the sight visibility triangles at corners and driveways.
- Gates across a driveway must be set back at least 20 ft from the property line.
When a permit is not required
In the City of Orlando, a fence on a one- or two-family property does not need a permit when all of these are true, and it still has to meet city code:
- It is 6 ft or less, where that height is allowed.
- It is not in a Historic Preservation district.
- It is made of wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, wrought iron or plants.
- It follows any Special Plan or Planned Development rules.
When a permit is required
- The fence is over 6 ft tall.
- It serves as a required pool or spa barrier.
- It has a vehicular gate or a powered gate (electric, solar and so on).
- It is in a Historic Preservation district, on a commercial property or in a floodplain or floodway.
- It is made of concrete, masonry or block, including concrete posts or reinforcement.
- It is on or near public easements shown on your survey, or the property has an alley at the rear.
Orange County
Orange County's fence permit page says a residential fence of wood, vinyl or aluminum picket on a single-family lot needs a Fence Permit. The homeowner or a contractor applies online through the county's Fast Track system and uploads a dimensioned site plan or survey. The county lists a review time of four business days, and a residential fence permit expires 180 days after approval. The county points to Section 38-1408 of its code for the height and placement standards. Cities inside the county, such as Orlando, Winter Park and Apopka, run their own permits, so apply with the one that covers your address.
Your HOA still has a say
Even when no city permit is needed, a homeowners association can require its own approval. Ask for the HOA rules on height, color and style before you order.
Then order the material
Once you know the height and style, send us the footage and gate openings. We prepare your quote the same business day. We sell material only, so your contractor handles permits and installation.
