City of Sarasota fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Sarasota? Yes. The City of Sarasota 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 Sarasota (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- How to apply
- Online portal, email, in person source
Still being confirmed with Sarasota: Please confirm the general fence height and setback limits and the current fence permit fee (the posted fee schedule is dated 2016): can staff give the residential height limits by yard?
How to file for a fence permit in the City of Sarasota
Steps based on sarasotafl.gov — fence checklist
- Complete the City building permit application (signed by the contractor).
- Prepare a site survey and construction drawings as listed on the Fences and Walls checklist.
- Submit through the City's online permit portal, by email to [email protected], or in person at 1575 2nd Street, 2nd Floor.
- Call Building & Zoning at 941-263-6494 with questions on fence height and setback limits.
- Call Sunshine 811 at least two full business days before digging.
Who to contact
- Phone
- 941-263-6494
- [email protected]
- Address
- 1575 2nd Street, 2nd Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236
Contact from sarasotafl.gov — Building Permitting
What to submit
- Building permit application, one copy completed and signed by the contractor
- Site survey: five copies showing perimeter lot lines with dimensions, north arrow, adjacent street names, proposed fence or wall location with dimensions, and any pool or spa location
- Construction drawings: five sets showing cross section, structural material, height above existing grade, depth below grade, footing dimensions and rebar for masonry walls, and electrical schematic if applicable
Other rules to know
- Pool safety fences must be at least 48 inches tall, no exceptions; gates must open away from the pool, self-close and self-latch; latch at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate; no gap at the bottom more than 2 inches from grade.
- Chain link at pools: mesh no more than 2 1/4 inches unless slats reduce openings to 1 3/4 inches or less.
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 Sarasota, FL?
Yes. The City of Sarasota requires a permit before you build a fence.
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of Sarasota?
Complete the City building permit application (signed by the contractor). Prepare a site survey and construction drawings as listed on the Fences and Walls checklist. Submit through the City's online permit portal, by email to [email protected], or in person at 1575 2nd Street, 2nd Floor. Call Building & Zoning at 941-263-6494 with questions on fence height and setback limits. 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 Sarasota (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Sarasota?
Building & Zoning Division (Permitting). Phone 941-263-6494, email [email protected].
Sources
Summarized from the City of Sarasota's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Work for the City of Sarasota? 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.