Unincorporated Sarasota County fence rules
Do you need a fence permit in the Unincorporated Sarasota County? No. Unincorporated Sarasota County does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
At buildit.dog you can draw your fence on an aerial photo of your lot and check it against Unincorporated Sarasota County's rules before you build. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- No (typical residential fence) source
- Distance from lot line
- Fences may be installed up to the property line (County zoning FAQ). source
- Good side faces
- Finished side must face the street and adjacent properties. source
- How to apply
- Call 941-861-5000 source
Still being confirmed with Unincorporated Sarasota County: What are the maximum fence heights by yard in UDC Sec. 124-125 (Municode could not be opened)?
How to build within the rules in the Unincorporated Sarasota County
Steps based on scgov.net — 638942242254800000
- No permit is required for a residential fence per the County zoning FAQ; confirm height limits in UDC Sec. 124-125 or with Zoning ([email protected]).
- Keep the finished side facing the street and neighbors.
- Call Sunshine 811 at least two full business days before digging.
Who to contact
- Phone
- 941-861-5000
- [email protected]
Contact from scgov.net — 638942242254800000
Other rules to know
- County zoning FAQ: Sarasota County does not require a permit for residential fences; fences are limited in height (numbers not given in the FAQ).
- County Code Enforcement FAQ: chain-link, wood or vinyl fences typically need no permit as long as code criteria are met. Reference: Unified Development Code, Chapter 124, Article 8, Section 124-125.
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 Unincorporated Sarasota County, FL?
No. Unincorporated Sarasota County does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply. County Code Enforcement FAQ: chain-link, wood or vinyl fences typically need no permit as long as code criteria are met. Reference: Unified Development Code, Chapter 124, Article 8, Section 124-125.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the Unincorporated Sarasota County?
Fences may be installed up to the property line (County zoning FAQ).
Which side of the fence has to face the neighbor in the Unincorporated Sarasota County?
Finished side must face the street and adjacent properties.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the Unincorporated Sarasota County?
Planning and Development Services, Zoning. Phone 941-861-5000, email [email protected].
Sources
Summarized from Unincorporated Sarasota County's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Sarasota County UDC Sec. 124-125 (as cited in County FAQ)
Work for Unincorporated Sarasota County? 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.