How to Apply for a Fence Permit in Broward County
Are you planning to install a fence on your residential or commercial property in Broward County?
If so, here are ten fence installation requirements to consider before applying for a permit and getting started with the construction process.
1. Types of Fences
The four most common types of fence installation materials are Chain link, Wood, PVC & Aluminum.
For example, let’s say you want to install approximately 100 feet of fencing around your home.
Chain link fencing will typically be the least expensive in terms of the overall cost of materials and installation.
Wood & PVC fences will typically be a bit more costly depending on the desired style and material finish.
Aluminum fence installations are usually the most expensive in terms of overall material & installation cost.
For aluminum fences, the total cost will also depend on whether you choose to install a welded or mechanical fence system.
Not all cities in Broward County will allow you to install a complete privacy fence.
Some cities may only allow for partial privacy in the form of a shadowbox-style fence, which might affect the overall job cost for materials & labor.
2. HOA Approval Letter
Suppose you’re planning to install a fence around your property, and it’s part of a homeowner’s association.
In that case, you may be required to submit an architectural review application with the job plans included to your HOA board or property management company for review & approval.
It’s important to be aware of the different types and styles of fences that your HOA board will and will not allow you to install.
Believe it or not, just because your neighbors have a particular type of fence doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll automatically be approved to install it as well.
Most HOAs update their bylaws and restrictive covenants often, so it’s crucial that you go through the proper channels to get your proposed fence project pre-approved before submitting it to the building department for the normal plan review process.
For most fence permit applications to cities within Broward County, you will need to submit an HOA approval letter with your permit application showing that the association has reviewed and approved the proposed fence installation.
Installing a fence on your property without the proper permit and/or HOA approval may result in the issuance of a building code violation.
3. Property Survey
An updated property survey is among the primary documents you will need to submit your fence permit package.
The exact location of the fence installation must be drawn on an updated property survey.
The job survey should include precise details about the entire fence project, including:
- The specific location of the fence installation
- The type & style of fence that will be installed
- The total linear footage of the fence
- The height for each section of the fence project
- Any setbacks for landscaping or site-triangles
- Specific locations & measurements for walk gates, roll gates, or double drive gates
A specialty site survey may be required for commercial fence projects.
It may also be a good idea to have the surveyor come out to mark the underground pins prior to commencing the fence project. In rare cases, if there is some type of error with your land survey measurements, this would most likely become apparent if the pin locations in the ground do not match up with the measurement details specified on the property boundary survey.
4. Utility Easement Agreements
Before submitting your official fence permit application, you may also be required to submit hold harmless easement agreement forms to various utility operators that service your local area.
The three most common utility operators that you will need to obtain easement agreements from in Broward County are AT&T, Florida Power & Light & Comcast.
Every city is different, so you will need to consult with your local building department to determine the utility providers you’ll need to get easement agreements from.
5. Call before you dig!
Once you’ve acquired the necessary easement agreement approvals from the local utility operators, you must remember to call and schedule an appointment for Sunshine 811 locators to come out and mark the job site before construction begins.
This step is crucial to prevent or reduce the likelihood of damage to underground facilities that may result from improper digging.
Some municipalities may also request proof of an existing ground locate ticket number before an approved fence permit can be issued.
6. Engineer Drawings
Aluminum fences & certain types of wood gates may require a licensed engineer drawing.
If you are pulling a homeowner’s permit, you must understand specific details about your fence and the appropriate engineer drawings that you’ll need to submit along with your fence permit application.
If you have hired a licensed fence contractor, they can explain what engineer drawings you’ll need.
7. Product Approvals
Product approvals are typically required for PVC fences.
The manufacturer or supplier you purchase the PVC fence materials from can provide you with the product approvals.
If not, the PVC fence spec. drawings will need to be ordered from a licensed engineer.
8. Landscape & Setback Requirements
Certain cities such as Fort Lauderdale & Plantation may require that your fence be setback 3 ft. from the property line, where continuous planting must be placed in mulch along any portion of your fence that’s adjacent to a street.
You should contact your local landscaping or zoning department directly for more specific requirements regarding continuous planting species that can be placed along fences adjacent to a street.
Other cities, such as Pompano Beach, may also require specific steps be taken to protect trees along the proposed job site.
In this instance, you would need to also apply for a tree permit.
9. Drainage Easement
If you are applying for a fence permit in the City of Pembroke Pines, City of Miramar or The Town of Davie, you may also need to apply for a drainage district easement permit.
If you plan to install a fence in the drainage easement on your property or the fence line is adjacent to a waterway, you will need to contact Broward County Water & Wastewater Services, Central Broward Water Control District or the South Broward Drainage District about the need for a separate drainage permit or easement agreement.
You can also reach out to your local building department to find out more about what is required and whether or not you’ll need to apply for a separate drainage district permit.
10. Swimming Pools
If you are installing a fence around an area with a swimming pool, your project will be subject to a host of additional building codes and city ordinances.
Be sure to research any additional rules and regulations your specific city or town may require regarding installing fences around swimming pools.
In conclusion
While each municipality in Broward County may have its own specific requirements for issuing fence permits, the items discussed above are pretty much standard among most building departments in the county.
Missing any of the above documents or failing to notify the appropriate agencies about your fence project may result in prolonged delays in acquiring your approved fence permit.
The cost of your fence permit will vary based on city and county fees.
Need help applying for a fence permit in Broward County?
Call Nelson Permit Runners LLC today at: (954) 543-0417.
Please contact us by email for a free quote for permit running services.