City of Melbourne fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Melbourne? Yes. The City of Melbourne requires a permit before you build a fence.
buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Melbourne (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Side and rear yards
- Up to 6 feet and 100% opaque source
- Front (street) yard
- Within the front yard setback: up to 4 feet tall and 50% opaque source
- Corner lots
- Corner lots have an exception; a traffic visibility triangle must be kept clear source
- Distance from lot line
- May be built on the property line or elsewhere on the lot depending on zoning district; a survey is needed to find the true line source
- How to apply
- Online portal source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of Melbourne
- Apply through the City's online EnerGov permitting system.
- Call the Building Dept. at 321-608-7915 with questions, or 321-608-7900 for help using EnerGov.
- For zoning questions call the Planner of the Day at 321-608-7500.
- Call Sunshine 811 at least two full business days before digging.
Who to contact
Building Section
Code Compliance Division
- Phone
- 321-608-7915
- Address
- 900 East Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901
Contact from melbourneflorida.org — Frequently Asked Questions
What to submit
- Permit application
- Drawings, when applicable
- Proof of property ownership (deed or tax statement)
- Description of work and estimated construction value
- Survey for new construction or additions (the page does not say whether fences need one)
Other rules to know
- Starting work without a permit can bring a penalty of 100% of the usual permit fee.
- To exceed a height limit you must apply for a variance.
- Full fence text is in Appendix D, Chapter 9, Article III of the Code of Ordinances (per the City FAQ).
Before you dig
Call Sunshine 811 before digging post holes (dial 811 or file online at sunshine811.com) at least two full business days ahead. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. County parcel maps can be off by several feet; if you're not sure where the line is, a licensed land surveyor can stake it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in the City of Melbourne, FL?
Yes. The City of Melbourne requires a permit before you build a fence.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Melbourne?
Side and rear yards: Up to 6 feet and 100% opaque. Front (street) yard: Within the front yard setback: up to 4 feet tall and 50% opaque. Corner lots: Corner lots have an exception; a traffic visibility triangle must be kept clear.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of Melbourne?
May be built on the property line or elsewhere on the lot depending on zoning district; a survey is needed to find the true line
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of Melbourne?
Apply through the City's online EnerGov permitting system. Call the Building Dept. at 321-608-7915 with questions, or 321-608-7900 for help using EnerGov. For zoning questions call the Planner of the Day at 321-608-7500. Call Sunshine 811 at least two full business days before digging. buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Melbourne (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Melbourne?
Building Section, Code Compliance Division. Phone 321-608-7915.
Sources
Summarized from the City of Melbourne's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Code of Ordinances Appendix D, Chapter 9, Article III (fences)
Work for the City of Melbourne? Help us keep this right
If anything on this page is wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Municipal staff reports are reviewed first. Please include a link to the current ordinance, form or fee schedule if you can.