Fence Height Regulations in the City of Orlando
In the City of Orlando, the maximum height for fences in side and rear yards is generally limited to 6 feet within residential and office districts. For properties located in commercial and industrial districts, the City of Orlando allows for a higher maximum fence height of 8 feet in these same yard areas. Certain specialized fencing, such as security or temporary construction fences, may be permitted to reach a height of 8 feet across various districts subject to specific City of Orlando approvals.
| District Category | Yard Location | Maximum Fence Height |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Residential Districts | Side Yard | 6 Feet |
| Office and Residential Districts | Rear Yard | 6 Feet |
| Office and Residential Districts | Street Side Yard (Standard) | 6 Feet |
| Office and Residential Districts | Street Side Yard (Reverse Corner Lot) | 4 Feet |
| Commercial and Industrial Districts | Side Yard | 8 Feet |
| Commercial and Industrial Districts | Rear Yard | 8 Feet |
| All Districts | Temporary Construction Fence | 8 Feet |
| All Districts (with Special Exception) | Electrified Security Fence | 8 Feet |
Residential and Office District Standards
Within the City of Orlando’s residential and office zoning districts, fences and walls are strictly regulated based on their proximity to property lines and street frontages. The standard maximum height for any fence located in a required side or rear yard is 6 feet [Section 58.929].
There is a specific distinction for street side yards. If a property is a "reverse corner lot," the fence height is more restrictive, capped at a maximum of 4 feet [Section 58.929(a)]. For all other street side yards that are not reverse corner lots, the City of Orlando permits a maximum height of 6 feet [Section 58.929(b)].
Commercial and Industrial District Standards
The City of Orlando provides more flexibility for fence heights on properties zoned for commercial or industrial use. In these districts, walls and fences erected in the required side or rear yards may reach a maximum height of 8 feet [Section 58.929].
Property owners in these districts may also utilize barbed wire on top of these fences, provided the total height remains within the City of Orlando’s established requirements [Section 58.929]. Furthermore, the City of Orlando allows commercial and industrial fence heights to be exceeded by an additional 2 feet (for a total of 10 feet) if the owner installs an approved Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) fence, such as a wrought iron or wrought iron-type fence [Section 58.929].
Special Fencing and Environmental Restrictions
The City of Orlando has established specific rules for specialized fencing and environmentally sensitive areas:
- Security and Electrified Fencing: Generally, electrified fences are prohibited within 50 feet of any City of Orlando school or residential district. However, where permitted by special exception or within certain industrial areas, these fences may not exceed a height of 8 feet [Section 58.930].
- Temporary Construction Fences: During active construction within any City of Orlando district, a temporary fence may be erected to a maximum height of 8 feet. These must be removed before the City of Orlando issues a Certificate of Occupancy [Section 58.933].
- Waterfront Limitations: Fences located on building sites adjacent to water bodies must not extend into the water beyond the normal high water elevation as determined by the City of Orlando [Section 58.929(e)].
- Visibility Requirements: Regardless of height, no fence or wall may be placed in a way that obstructs the "Street Corner Visibility Area" for motorists or pedestrians, typically between the heights of 2 and 8 feet above street level [Section 60.143].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.929: Height (Fences and Walls)
- Section 58.930: Security fences
- Section 58.933: Temporary Construction Fences
- Section 60.143: Development Restrictions (Street Corner Visibility)